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DE WITT'S ACTING- PLAYS. 

t 

(Number 21 5.) 




STILL 

WATERS RUN DEEP. 

IN THREE ACTS. 

By TOM TAYLOR, Esq., 

Author of "Our American Cousin," " The Overland Route," "Henry 

Dunbar," " Plot and Passion" " Sheep in Wolfs Clothing" 

" Ridden Hand" " Txcket-of -Leave Man," etc. 



As First Performed at the Royal Olympic Theatre, 
London, may 14, 1855. 



' 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 

A description of the Costumes— Synopsis of the Piece -Cast of the Characters 

— Entrances and Exits —Relative Positions of the Performers on 

the Stage, and the whole of the Stage Business. 




CLINTON T. DE WITT, PUBLISHER, 

&o. 33 Rote Street. 




I 



-T A COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE CATAL3GUE OF DE WITT'S ACTING 
1 PLAYS, AND DE WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMAS, containing 

f Plot, Costume, Scenes, Time of Representation, and every other informa- 
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DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS. 



p&- please notice that nearly all the Comedies, Farces and Comediettas in the following 
hst o/"De Witt's Acting Plats" are very suitable for representation in small Amateur Thea- 
tres and on Parlor Stages, as they need but little extrinsic aid from complicated scenery o>\ 
expensive costumes. They have attained their deserved popularity by their droll situations, 
excellent plots, great humor and brilliant dialogues, no less than by the fact that they are the 
most perfect in every respect of any edition of 2)lays ever published either in the United States 
or Europe, whether as regards purity of the text, accuracy and fulness of stage directions and 
scenery, or elegance of typography and clearness of printing. 

*#* In ordering please copy the figures at the commervcement of each piece, which indicate 
the number of the piece in " De Witt's List of Acting Plats." 

Jgf" Any of the following Plays sent, postage free, on receipt of price — 15 
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Address, ROBERT M. DE WITT, 

JVo. 33 Hose Street, New York. 

Jg^~ The figure following the name of the Play denotes the number of 
Acts. The figures in the columns indicate the number of characters — M. male; 
F. female. 



No. m. F. 

75. Adrienne, drama, 3 acts 7 3 

114. Anything for a Change, comedy, 13 3 

167. Apple Blossoms, comedy, 3 acts 7 3 

93. Area Belle (The), I'arce, 1 act 3 2 

40. Atchi, comedietta, 1 act — 3 2 

89. Aunt Charlotte's Maid, farce. 1 act.. 3 3 

192. Game of Cards (A), comedietta, 13 1 

166. Bardell vs. Pickwick, sketch, 1 act. 6 2 

41. Beautiful Forever, farce, 1 act 2 3 

141. Bells (The), drama, 3 acts 9 3 

67. Birthplace of Podgers, farce, 1 act . . 7 3 
36. Black Sheep, drama, 3 acts 7 5 

160. Blow for Blow, drama, 4 acts 11 6 

70. Bonnie Fish Wife, farce, 1 act 3 1 

179. Breach of Promise,, drama, 2 acts. . 5 2 

25. Broken-Hearted Club, comedietta, 14 8 

24. Cabman, No. 93, farce, 1 act 2 2 

1. Caste, comedy, 3 acts 5 3 

69. Caught by the Caff, farce, 1 act 4 1 

175. Cast upon the World, drama, 5 acts. 10 5 
55. Catharine Howard, historical play, 

3 acts 12 5 

80. Charming pair, farce, 1 act 4 1 

65. Checkmate, comedy, 2 acts.... 

68. Chevalier de St. George, drama, 3 9 

76. Chops of the Channel, farce, 1 act. 3 

149. Clouds, comedy, 4 acts 8 

121. Comical Countess, farce, 1 act 3 

107. Cupboard Love, farce, 1 act 2 

152. Cupid's Eye-Glass, comedy, 1 act... 1 

52. Cup of Tea, comedietta, 1 act 3 

148. Cut off with a Shilling, comedietta, 

1 act. 2 1 

113. Cyrill's Success, comedy, 5 acts 10 4 

199. Captain of the Watch (The), come- 
dietta, 1 act 4 2 

20. Daddy Gray, drama, 3 acts 8 4 

4. Dandelion's Dodges, farce, 1 act 4 2 

22. David uar rick, comedy, 3 acts 8 3 

96. Dearest Mamma, comedietta, 1 act, 4 3 

16. Dearer than Life, drama, 3 acts 6 5 

58. Deborah (Leah) drama, 3 acts 7 6 

125. Deerfoot, farce. 1 act 5 1 

71. Doing for the Best, drama, 2 acts.. 5 3 

142. Dollars and Cents, comedy, 3 acts.. 9 4 



6 5 
3 

2 
7 
1 
1 
1 
1 



No. 

21. 
186. 

47. 
13 >. 



Dreams, drama, 5 acts 6 3 

Duchess de la Valliere, play, 5 acts . . 6 4 

Easy Shaving, farce, 1 act 5 2 

Everybody's Friend, comedy, 3 acts. 6 5 

200. Estranged, an operetta, 1 act 2 1 



Faust and Marguerite, drama, 3 acts, 9 
y. Fearful Tragedy in the Seven Dials, 
interlude, 1 act 4 

128. Female Detective, drama, 3 acts.. ..11 

101. Fernande, drama, 3 acts. . . 
99. Fifth Wheel, comedy, 3 acts 

145. First Love, comedy, 1 act... 

102. Foiled, drama. 4 acts 9 

88. Founded on Facts, farce, 1 act . . . . 4 

74. Garrick Fever, farce, 1 act 7 

53. Gertrude's Money Bos, farce, 1 act. 4 
73. Golden Fetter (Fettered), drama, 3 11 
30. Goose with the Golden Eggs, farce, 

1 act 5 

131. Go to Putney, farce, 1 act 4 

Happy Pair, comedietta, 1 act 1 

Hard Case (A), farce, 1 act 2 

Henry Dunbar, drama, 4 acts 10 

Henry the Fifth, historical play, 5 38 

He's a Lunatic, farce, 1 act 3 

Hidden Hand, drama, 4 acts 5 

His Own Enemy, farce, 1 act 4 

Home, comedy, 3 acts , 4 

64. Household Fairy, sketch, 1 act 1 

190 Hunting the Slipper, farce, 1 act 4 

191. High C, comedietta, 1 act 4 

197. Hunchback (The), play, 5 acts 14 

18. If I Had a Thousand a Year, farce, 

1 act 4 

116. I'm Not Mesilf at All, original Irish 
stew, 1 act 3 

129. In for a Holiday, farce, 1 act 2 

159. In the Wrong House, farce, 1 act. . . 4 

122. Isabella Orsini, drama, 4 acts 11 

177. I Shall Invite the Major, comedy, 1 4 

100. Jack Long, drama, 2 acts 9 

139. Joy is Dangerous, comedy, 2 acts. . . 3 

Kind to a Fault, comedy, 2 acts 6 

Lady of Lyons, play, 5 acts .... .12 

Lame Excuse, farce, 1 act 4 



151. 

8. 

180. 

19. 

60. 
187. 
174. 



17. 



72. 



1 

4 

11 10 

10 2 

4 1 



STILL WATERS RUN DEEP, 



^n ©tigxnal ConteW, 



IN THREE ACTS 



By TOM TAYLOR, Esq., 

Author of "Our American Cousin,'''' "The Overland Route" "Henry Dunbar, ,' 

"Plot and Passion" "Sheep in Wolfs Clothing," "Hidden Hand," 

"Ticket of Leave Man," etc. 



AS FIRST PRODUCED AT THE ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE, LONDON, 
MAY 11, 1855. 



TO WHICH ABE ADDED 

A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUME — CAST OF THE CHARACTERS — EN* 

TRANCES AND EXITS — RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE 

PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE 

OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 



A 



»» 



CjfeJm/JBLl 



SEW YORK: 
CIINTON T. DE WITT, PUBLISHER, 

(SUCCESSOR TO R. M. DE WITT), 

No. 33 Rose Street. 

t> ■ 



^ZjP 



STILL WATEES RUN DEEP. 



C\K X 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Olymjric, London, Barnum's, N. Y., Laura Keene' 's, N. Y., 
May 14, 1855. Sept.10, 1855. Jan. 16, 1856. 

Mr. Potter Mr. Emery Mr. Bridgman Mr. Bass. 

Capt. Hawksley Mr. G. ViNiNG...Mr. E. F. Taylor.. Mr. G. Jordan. 

John Mildmay Mr. A. Wigan. . .Mr. C. W. Clarke. .Mr. Dyott. 

Dunbilk Mr. Danvers. . . .Mr. G. Lingard . . .Mr. McDouall. 

Langfovd Mr. Gladstone . Mr. Marlow Mr. F. Trevor. 

Markham Mr. J. H.White. Mr. G. Clarke .... Mr. Watson. 

'Gimlet Mr. H. Cooper... Mr. Cunningham.. Mr. Rea. 

Jessop Mr. Franks Mr. Forbes Mr. Carpentrr. 

Servant Mr. Moore Mr. Smith. 

Mrs. Mildmay Miss Maskell. ..Miss Mestayer...Miss Laura Keene. 

Mrs. Hector Sternhold. .Mrs. Melfort. . .Mrs. France Miss Kate Reignolds. 



Period — 1851 . Season— Summer, 



TIME IN REPRESENTATION— ONE HOUR AND FIFTY-FIVE MINUTES. 



SCENERY. 



ACT I., Scene. — Handsome drawing-room in Mr. Mildmay's villa, at Brompton, 
in 5tli grooves, l. 3 E. a door communicating with Mrs. Mildmay's room ; r. 1 e. 





.• 


Conservatory. 

| ... 


•. 






Folding doors. 


•- 


. -Window. 






Window. 


r. 4e..* 






Door. — *.l. 4 e. 


! I] 






<_„,_> 






Ottoman. : 


r. 3e. — Piano. 






Door.— l. 3 e. 


i 






Writing : 

O :: : 


r. 2 e. — I Fireplace. 

: o 






Table. : : — l. 2 e. 






Couch. 


: Easy Chair 








R. 1 E. — Door, 


Round 




— L. 1 E. 


: 


() 




: 


i 


Table. 




: 


R. R. C. 


c. 


L. C. L. 


— - — 




Orchestra, 


__ —"^' 



a door leading to Mrs. Sternhold's apartment ; fireplace, etc., r. 2 e ; French 
windows, with curtains, opening to gardens, r. and l. 4 e. ; l. 4 E. door to Mildmay's 
dressing-room ; l. 1 e. door to library and the rest of the house. Across the stage, 
at back, a conservatory, communicating with garden by large folding glass doors ; 
stages of plants, etc., in the conservatory; a round table, r. c, in front; easy 
chair by fire r ; piano up stage r. ; a large ottoman at back, l. c ; a small writing- 
table, l. ; couch by writing-table l. 

ACT II., Scene 1.— Breakfast room in Mr. Mildmay's villa, d. r. 2e. break- 
fast table and two chairs c. ; small writing-table, r. h. 



STILL WATERS EUN DEEP. 6 

ACT II., Scene 2. — Captain Hawksley's rooms, sumptuously furnished. Door, 
l. 2 e. ; window r., with chintz hangings ; a profusion of prints, pictures, etc. ; 
books gayly bound ; a lounging chair, c. ; fireplace, c. ; an office table, covered 
with papers, prospectuses, plans, etc., r. c. ; a check book, note case half full of 
notes, and packet of thirteen letters in drawer on r. of table ; chair r. of table ; 
another table, x. h., with colored plans of the " Inexplosible Galvanic Boats ;" 
chairs about stage. 

ACT III., Scene.— Scene and furniture precisely as in Act I. 



COSTUMES. 



Mr. Potter. — First Dress : Old-fashioned brown coat, light silk vest, drab trousers, 

black cravat. Second Dress : Blue coat, nankeen trousers. Third Dress : Black 

coat, white vest, black trousers. 
Captain Hawksley. — First Dress : Fashionable frock coat, fancy tweed trousers, 

drab vest, fancy cravat. Second Dress ; Drab over-coat. Third Dress ; Fancy 

morning coat and smoking-cap, buff jean trousers, fancy vest and cravat. 

Fourth Dress: Dinner dress. 
John Mildmay. — First Dress : Black frock coat, check trousers and vest, black 

cravat. Second Dress: Great coat, hat, and silk handkerchief. Third D)-ess : 

Dinner dress. 
Dunbilk. — First Dress : Brown coat, white vest, black cravat, plaid trousers. 

Second Dress : Dinner dress. 
Langford, Markham, Gimlet.— Dinner Dresses. 
Jessop. — Black dress coat, striped liverj r vest, black trousers. 
Servant.— Dark blue livery coat and breeches, striped vest, white stockings, and 

shoes. 
Mrs. Sternhold. — First Dress : Silk dinner dress. Second Dress : White muslin 

morning dress. Third Dress : Pink silk dinner dress, trimmed with black 

lace. 
Mrs. Mildmay.— First Dress; Blue striped silk dinner dress. Second Dress : Green 

and white silk dinner dress. 



PROPERTIES. 
Eose for Mrs. M. ; carpet-bag, key of garden gate, ladder, paint-pot, brush, letter, 
carcel lamp, candlestick, with candle; breakfast set, large pocket-book for Potter; 
bundle of shares for Potter ; pen and ink, check-book, note-case with notes ; 
packet of thirteen letters, colored plans of railroads, etc.; London newspaper, 
several bank-bills ; matches, wax, taper, and seal for Hawksley ; cigar-cases and 
cigars for Hawksley and Mildmay ; forged bill ; several letters of invitation, and 
envelopes, inkstand and pens for Hawksley and Mrs. M. ; horse- whip for Hawks- 
ley ; box with duelling pistols, with charges ; keys of two doors. 



SYNOPSIS. 



Mr. Potter, an old gentleman in easy circumstances, Mrs. Mildmay. his 
daughter, Mrs. Sternhold, her -widowed aunt, and Mildmay are quietly seated 
in a handsome drawing-room. Mr. M., quite a young husband, takes " a back seat" 1 
in the conversation that ensues, and it is quite evident that both aunt and wife 
regard him as rather approaching a cipher in the establishment. Mr. P., too, ap- 
pears to have little to say for himself, quietly assenting to all the arguments and 
resolves of the spirited widow. The Mildmays had just been married one year. 
After a little witty sparring, Mildmay saunters off through the conservatory. Mrs. 
M. is tired of her husband's slow, unromantic ways, and, yawning, says she's 
" wearj'— weary," and contrasts Mildmay with the elegant Hawksley. She 



4: STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. 

retires, and Mrs. S. gets rid of her brother, Potter, after a brief "talk, 1 * in which 
we learn that Potter has eight thousand pounds of Mrs. Mildmay's money — due 
at any moment — and that he has invested one thousand pounds, in shares, in Cap- 
tain Hawksley 1 s Galvanic Navigation Company. This was done mainly through 
the influence of Mrs. S. HAWKSLEYisto pay them a visit in the evening. This 
leads Mr. P. to say that he don't like Hawksley's attention $o Mrs. Mildmay. 
At this his sister is greatly moved, and begs her brother not to say a word to 
Emily, as she will attend to it. Lamb-like, he acquiesces, and goes out, muttering, 
; ' She saves one so much trouble in making up one's mind." Then Mrs. S. hides 
in the conservatory to witness the meeting between Mrs. Mildmay and Captain 
Hawksley. The latter instantly begins showering compliments upon the lady, 
and thus leading her to contrast his amiable vivacity with her husband's compara- 
tive indifference. Growing presumptuous, he at length talks of visiting her later 
at night, but the lady checks his advances, and, sighing, wishes her husband haa 
not left her. Then she tells Hawksley that he had better go to her aunt in the 
library. This gives the Captain a chance to laugh heartily at Mrs. S.'s antiquated 
charms. She retires, giving place to the aunt, who is terribty hurt at the language 
she has overheard, and expresses her determination to make him rue that he had 
ever trifled with her feelings. Mildmay comes on as she retires, and begins to 
paint the trellis. Potter and the Captain come on, and the latter wheedles the 
former into agreeing to take fifty more " Galvanic " shares. They are soon joined 
by the ladies, and Mildmay, in a very quiet way, contrives to give Hawksley 
some sharp satirical cuts in return for his sneers. Then, after a varied dialogue, 
Mildmay goes off toward the train, but gets a letter from Manchester, which ren- 
ders his visit to that city unnecessary. Events move quickly. Mrs. S. intercepts 
her niece, and compels her to retire to her room. Mildmay comes in and hides, to 
see what's going to happen. Mrs. Sternhold meets Hawksley, whom she de- 
nounces as a swindler, and tells him that she had known his character, but had 
been carried away by his lying protestations. He tells her that he has treasured up" 
thirteen of her impassioned love-letters, and that if she dares to unmask him he 
will expose her letters. They part — Mi's. S. violently perturbed. Mrs. Mildmay 
comes on, and runs into the arms of her husband. ' Not recognizing him, she 
screams, " Stand back, sir ! " then " Oh, John ! I'm safe now !" 

In the second act Mrs. S. and Potter are seated at breakfast. The former is ill 
at ease, and sends for Mildmay. "When he comes she tries to move his torpid 
nature by appealing to his manly, chivalrous feelings, but he listens placidly to 
her excited tirade, quietly saying that he had overheard her tell his wife that he 
was -'dull, stupid," and a mere cipher. In the next scene Hawksley and his 
satellite, Dunbilk, enter into a full mutual explanation of their swindling transac- 
tions. They are interrupted by Mildmay's entrance. The arch-scoundrel is taken 
all aback when he finds himself confronted, in Mildmay, with a stern, calm, fear- 
less man, who forces him to disgorge the money he has already received from 
Potter, and then makes him seal up and hand to him Mrs. Sternhold's letters. 
Mildmay had recognized Hawksley as a forger, and had gained possession of the 
proofs of his crime. He leaves the forger grinding his teeth in impotent malice, 
but rejoicing at getting back the forged paper. 

In act third all the persons of the piece meet in Potter's drawing-room. Here 
Mildmay cleverly draws out all the individuals in ttieir real characters, aud finally 
compels Mrs. Sternhold to acknowledge that every household must have a head ; 
that a wife's best counsellor is her husband ; that men, as in M*r. Potter's case, 
frequently do as much mischief by tame acquiescence as by stubborn independence; 
and finally, by giving Hawksley to deserved punishment, he shows that beneath 
the glove 01 velvet is oft< a hidden the hand of steel, and that " Still Waters Run 
Deep." 



STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. 



ACT I. 

SCENE. — A drawing-room in Mildmay's villa, at Bvompton. l. 3 e. a 
door communicating with Mrs. Mildmay's room; it. 1 e. a door 
leading to Mrs. Stern-hold's apartment ; fireplace, etc., r. 2 e. ; 
French windows, with curtains, opening to garden, r. and l. 4 e. ; 
l. 4 e. door to Mildmay's dressing room ; l. 1 e. door to library, 
and the rest of the house. Across the stage, at back, a, conservatory, 
communicating with garden by large folding glass doors ; stages 
of plants, etc., in the conservatory. 

A round table, r. c, in front ; easy chair by fire r. ; piano up stage, 
r. ; a large ottoman, at back, l. c. ; a small writing table, l. ; 
couch by icriting table, l. 

Mr Potter, in easy chair, by fire; Mrs. Mildmay o;i oto?wr«« ; Mr;s. 
Sternhold, seated by table, r. c. ; and Mildmay seated looking at 
book, by icriting table, l., discovered. 

Mildmay. Suppose. Emily, you gave us a little music. 

Mrs. S. Music ! Nonsense! That you may have the opportunity of 
snoring without detection, Mr. Mildmay 1 

Mild. I thought, perhaps, Emily might indulge me with '• Auld Robin 
Gray." 

Mrs M. " Auld Robin Gray !" Now, aunt, only conceive his asking 
for a stupid old melody like that. 

Mild. You used to like playing it to me before we were married. 

Mrs. M. Before we were married! When you know I adore Beet- 
hoven. 

Mrs. S. To appreciate Beethoven, Emily, requires a soul for music : 
Mr. Mildmay has no soul for music. 

Potteii. No, no, John, you know you haven't. You've no soul for 
anything. 

Mild. Very well. By-the-by, Emily, what do you say to a quiet lit- 
tle dinner at Richmond to-morrow 1 

Mrs S. It's quite out of the question, Mr. Mildmay; I can't allow 
Emily to go. I've issued invitations for a dinner here. 

Mild. Oh ! I thought, as it was the anniversary of our wedding-day, 
Emily, you might like a tete-a-tete with me at the Star and Garter. 

Mrs. M. But you hear it's quite impossible, and that my aunt has 
made a party at home. 

Mild. Very well ; I shan't be missed, I dare say. I shall probably 
dine at my club. 

Mrs. S. On the anniversary of your wedding-day ! I'm surprised you , 



6 STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. ACT I.J 

should not see the want of proper feeling, the indecency, I may say, of 
such an arrangement. I shall certainly expect you to dine with us. 

Mild. As you please, (rises) Well, as we're not to have any music, I 
may as well go anil earth up my celery. 

Mrs.- S. Is it such a tax to give us half an hour of your company after 
dinner ! 

• Mrs. M. Of course, aunt, if Mr. Mildmay prefers his vegetables to 
our company, I should be the last person in the world to detain him. 
Mild. If you wish me to stay with you, Emily, you've only to say so. 
Mrs. M. Oh, it's perfectly indifferent to me. 

Mrs S. I'm sure your wife would be the last person to thwart your 
wishes. 

Mild. Oh, I've no particular wish on the subject. I can make myself 
comfortable here, (he settles himself on the sofa, l.) 

Mrs. M. (to Mrs. S.). There, aunt, did you ever see anything so pro- 
vokingly indifferent ? 

Mrs. S. My poor child ! But don't distress yourself about him. 
Suppose you give me a little music. 

Mrs. M. With pleasure. What shall I play you? 
Mrs. S. Anything you like. (v]rs. Mildmay sits at piano, up r. h., 
and begins to play ; glancing over her shoulder at Mildmay', -who falls 
asleep ; after a while stops.) 

Mrs. S. Well, Emmy, why don't you go on 1 

Mrs M. Dear me, aunt, (angrily) you surely would not have me dis- 
turb Mr. Mildmay. (rises) It's quite enough to play him to sleep, I should 
think, without playing him awake again. 

Pot. (soothingly). Come, come, Emmy, he's been working in the gar- 
den all day, you know. 

Mrs S. (sharply). Nonsense, Mr. Potter, you know you both always 
fall fast asleep after dinner, though you never will allow it. 

Pot. Well, but sister 

Mrs. S. I beg we may have no discussion on the matter, brother 
Potter, i hate discussion. Emily has very good reason to be angry — 
not a year married yet. However, there's one comfort, niece, you 
might be a great deal worse off. (Mr. Potter leans back in his chair, 
and falls into a doze.) 

Mrs. M. Worse off ! Now, aunt, what could be worse than a husband 
without the "least spirit, life, enthusiasm — not enough to keep himself 
awake, even through a sonata of Beethoven ? 

Mrs. S. Pooh, pooh, child, what do you know about it % It is quite 
true Mr. Mildmay is dull — stupid if you like — but then, remember, he 
has none of those ridiculous pretensions, which most men set up, to a 
will of his own. That is the great point. You can do what you like 
with him. if you'll only take the trouble. 

Mrs. M. Yes, aunt, but I hate taking trouble. I want a husband to 
interest me, to share my feelings, to invest life with something of poetry 
— of romance. 

Mrs. S. Nonsense ! Poetry and romance are not half such safe in- 
vestments as the three per cents. 

Mrs. M. Oh, look ! there's a wasp, right on Mildmay's nose. I'll kill 
it. (she knots her handkerchief, and brings it smartly down on Mild- 
may's face) 

Mild, (opening his eyes). Eh 1 
M # ks. M. It was only a wasp. I missed it. 

Mild. Oh, thank you. Don't try to kill the next, please. Of the two, 
I'd rather be stung. (Mrs. Mildmay gets towards L. u. e.) Going into 
the garden ? 



[ACT I. STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. 7 

Mrs. M. No, I'm going into my own room. 

Mild. Oh ! then I'll go and earth up my celery, (rises, and goes up 
c. — stops) By the way, would yon tell Jessop to pack me up a clean 
shirt ] I'm going to Manchester to-night, by the mail train. 

Mrs. M. To-night ? Why, you never said a word about it till now. 

Mild. No. Why should II I shall return by the express to-morrow. 
I shall see you again before T start. 

[Exit Mildmay leisurely through c. to conservatory. 

Mrs. M. (aside) Provoking ! Bat I'm glad I hurt him a little. Good- 
night, papa ; good-night, aunt Jane, (at door l. 3 e.) 

Mrs. S. Why, you're not going to bed, child— it's hardly nine 
o'clock. 

Mrs. M. Isn't it 1 I'm sure the day's been long enough. 
for a book on table l.) Did you see my Tennyson, aunt ? 

Mrs. S. Tennyson ! Nonsense ! Always at that ridiculous poetry of 
yours. 

Mrs. M. Oh, aunt, if you knew the comfort it brings to my withered 
heart, (going up l. c.) 

" She only said the day is dreary. 

He cometh not, she said. 
She said, I'm weary — a weary — 

1 wish that I were dead." 

(looking off, through conservatory) There's Mildmay with his coat off, 
just like a common market gardener. Oh ! what a contrast to Hawks- 
ley ! Heigho ! [Exit Mrs. Mildmay, d. l. 3 e. 

Mrs S. (rises, and goes up c ). Here's that brother of mine, snoring 
now. Brother Potter, (bawling in his ear.) 

Pot. (waking suddenly). Eh 1 my dear. Did you speak 1 

Mus. S Did I speak? Did you hear 1 Now Emily's gone, perhaps 
you will inform me, yes or no, whether you mean to do what I asked 
you to do before dinner'? (Mrs. Sternhold resumes her seat ; Potter 
rises, comes down, and sits r. of table, l ) 

Pot. But, my dear sister, it's impossible. 

Mrs. S. Nothing is impossible, brother Potter. 

Pot. But you won't understand that the settlement 

Mrs. S. Settlement! Stuff and nonsense ! 

Pot. But, you will allow me to observe, it's anything but stuff and 
nonsense, sister. When Emily married, I settled eight thousand pounds 
on her, payable to the trustees, six months from the date of the settle- 
ment. That's eight months since, and I've not paid a farthing of the 
money yet. 

Mrs S. And what of that, pray 1 She's your only child ; all you 
have will be hers at your death. 

Pot. At my death 1 Well, if there is eighteen years difference be- 
tween your age and mine, Jane, there's no occasion to allude to my 
death in that cheerful way. But I'm bound to pay that eight thousand 
pounds over to the trustees under the settlement. Suppose Mildmay 
asked for this money some fine morning. A pretty figure I should cut ! 

Mrs. S. Mr. Mildmay knows too well what is due to our position to 
do anything of the kind. He's not at all keen in money matters ; that 
I must say for him. 

Pot. No — that's it. It's just because he is such an innocent, unsus- 
pecting lamb of a man 

Mrs. S. Nonsense, brother ! I don't wish for any discussion ; I only 
want an answer, yes or no. You've already invested one thousand 



8 STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. [ACT I. 

pounds, in shares, in Captain Hawksley's Galvanic Navigation Company, 
and now he has very kindly offered you twenty more fifty pound shares, 
and I promised you will take them up. You surely don't wish me to 
break my promise 1 

Pot. Certainly not, sister, certainly not. It always gives me pleasure 
to carry out your wishes, but I really don't like to propose the thing to 
Mildmay. 

Mrs. S. And why should you say a word to him about it ? I suppose 
you can pay him the interest of the money. The Galvanic Navigation 
Company guarantees eight per cent. ; you pay Mildmay five, and put 
three per cent, into your pocket by the transaction. You can't deny 
that. 

Pot. Well, but this Galvanic Company, you know — how can one tell 
it's quite safe 1 

Mrs. S. Do you consider Captain Hawksley a gentleman 1 
Pot. Oh, certainly, my dear. 

Mrs S, Do you think he would inveigle you into a dangerous specu- 
lation 1 

Pot. No. I don't believe he would, for a moment, but 

Mrs. S. Then what have you to say 1 

Pot. Well, my dear, I say 

Mrs. S. Black, because I say white! That's always the way. I 
wonder what would happen if you could once agree with me on any one 
subject ? 

Pot. Well, I'm sure, sister, I always do end by agreeing with you. 
Mrs. S. Then why not begin with it 1 It would save so much disa- 
greeable discussion. Then I consider it settled — you take up these 
shares. The captain promised to call this evening — you can arrange 
the business with him when he comes. 

Pot. Eh 1 Hawksley coming here this evening ? 
Mrs. S. Why, have you any objection 1 

Pot. No, no, no ! He's a very clever fellow, Hawksley — vastly agreea- 
ble — vastly — the sort of man one's always glad to see ; but still I should 
be just as well pleased not to see him here quite so often. 
Mrs. S. Indeed! (angrily) may I ask why'? 

Pot. Oh! if you are going to lose your temper, sister 

Mrs. S. Brother Potter, did you ever see me lose my temper? 
Pot. No, no. dear. 

Mrs. S. I wish to know what possible reason you have for objecting 
to Captain Hawksley's visits 1 

Pot. I, sister ? I object % On the contrary, I like him. I've every 

confidence in him, but 

Mrs. S. Well ! 

Pot. I don't quite like his coming here, on Emmy's account. 
Mrs. S. On Emily's account ! Oh you may be perfectly eas} 7 on that 
score. I grant you that before her marriage he might have shown 
some penchant for Emily. 

Pot. So much so that I always fancied, if it had not been for your 
setting your face against it, he. and Emmy might have made a match of 
it. 

Mrs. S. Captain Hawksley was not at all the man for Emily. Be- 
sides, I'm sure she never had any fancy for him. 

Pot. Perhaps not ; but what I'm afraid of is, she may have come 
fancy for him now . 

Mrs. S. Brother Potter ! 

Pot. Oh, I know what I'm about, sister ; they're afraid of you — noth- 



ACT I. ] STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. 9 

ing goes on when you are there ; hut they don't mind me — and I've 

observed more than once 

Mrs. S. {with suppressed bat violent agitation). Well— what — speak 
out — what have you observed '{ 

Pot. Well, but sister, don't excite yourself in that manner. You 
know it always flies to your head. Emmy's your niece, it's true — but 

after all 

Mrs. S. No equivocation, brother ! What have you obeserved 1 
Pot. Well, then, between ourselves, I've observed something — that is 
— a sort of — you know — in her manner with the captain, and in his 
manner with her — Emmy's romantic, and the captain insinuating 
and agreeable, and what you women call interesting — and, in short, 
sister, there's a sentimental sort of a — flirtation — going on between 'em 
ai;-eady — platonic, I've no doubt, but there's no saying where that sort 
of thing may end — and I don't like it — and I've intendedto talk to 

Emmy about it this ever so long — only I don't like to 

Mrs. S. {aside). It cannot be ! {to Potter) Don't say a word to 
Emily on the matter ; you had better leave it Lo me. {rises.) 
Pot. Exactly, sister, 1 thought I had. {rises.) 

Mns\ S. I tell you, brother, you had better leave it all to me. Hark ! 
•There's his cab! (goes to window l. and looks eagerly out. Aside) 
Emily is watching for him at her window — he kisses his hand to her — 
so, so ! 

Pot. I told you so. Now just see if she doesn't come down to receive 
him. Suppose we joined them ? 

Mrs. S. There's the postman with the evening paper. You know 
you are always anxious about the news. Go and enjoy your " Globe" 
in the library. Now will you oblige me by going] 

Pot. {crossing to l.). Certainly, sister, certainly, {aside) It's a great 
comfort I've such a superior woman in the house as my sister. She 
saves one so much trouble in making up one's mind. [Exit, l. d. 1 e. 

Mas S. Can this be true, or is it my silly brother's fancy 1 Ha ! as 
he said, Emily joins him — she takes his arm — she leans upon it fondly. 
{convulsively) He gathers a rose, he gives it to her ! Oh, I will not be- 
lieve it. No, no, no ! They are coming into the house. I will be satis- 
fied, {retires behind the screen of plants in the conservatory r. u. e.) 

Enter Mrs. Mildmay, earring a rose in her hand, followed by Captain 
Hawksley, l. D. 1 E. 

Hawksley (l.). And I am to have nothing for my rose 1 

Mrs. M. (r.). Your rose shall have a glass of water in my dressing- 
room to-night, and I promise you not to fling it away to-morrow till it 
is withered. 

Hawks. Suppose I offer my heart on the same terms 1 

Mrs. M. Captain Hawksley! 

Hawks. Forgive me ; I forgot this was London, and not Seville. I 
have lived so long in that land of poetry and passion, that my blood has 
learned its impetuosity, as my tongue its music. But you are offended. 
Can you wonder if, when I see you unappreciated, respect gives way 
to sympathy ? 

Enter Jessop with a carpet-bag ', d. l. u. e. 

Jks. Master's bag, ma'am. Shall I order a cab, ma'am, to take him 
to the station 1 

Mrs. M. Mr. Mildmay is in the garden, Jessop ; you had better ask 
him. [Exit Jessop, c. d. of conservatory. 



10 STILL WATEES ETJN DEEP. [ACT I. 

Hawks. Is Mildmay going out of town ? 

Mrs. M. To-night — so he told me half an hour ago, without a word 
of explanation, or an expression of regret at leaving me. 

Hawks. And to this man you are tied for life ! The law has made 
you his, and love has no rights in this cold, formal England. Oh, why 
may not 1 offer you that tenderness, that sympathy of which he is in- 
capable 1 I ask no more, only to love you. 1 seek no return of love. 

Mrs. M. Captain Hawksley, I must not listen to this, {sits:) 

Hawks. Take care ; you know not of what a man is capable whose 
love-code has beon learnt in the hot south, where passion excuses bold- 
ness. Oh, were this but Seville ! Sweet Seville ! 

Mrs. M. Well, suppose this were Seville ? 

Hawks. Then I would insist on your hearing an avowal of my love, 
when there should be none to interrupt us— at the dead of night — 
here ! 

Mrs. M. You would not dare, (rises ) 

Hawks. You had better not defy me ; ladies never do in Spain. At 
midnight I would be under your window. 

Mrs. M. Indeed ! You would aclually climb the garden wain 

Haavks. What need for that when there's a door. 

Mrs. M. But who would open it ? 

Hawks, {taking a key from Ms pocket). This! 

Mrs. M. The duplicate key of the garden gate that my aunt lost last 
week ! 

Hawks. It has been found, you see. 

Mas. M. Then you took it 1 

Hawks. I did. 

Mrs. M. And you would dare to use it ? 
-Hawks. This very night — if this were Seville. 

Mrs. M. Really, this is too absurd to be angry at. 

Hawks. I fear your displeasure more than anything in the world ; 
but even that would not change my resolution — were we in Seville. 

Mrs M. Well, suppose admission secured to the garden, you forget 
Bran, the savage mastiff — he is let loose after dark. 

Hawks.. You forget who gave him to you. Bran knows his old 
master. 

Mrs. M. And was it for this you made us a present of him. 

Hawks. Precisely ; we lay our plans well in Seville. 

Mrs. M. Well, suppose you have played the burglar, and Bran the 
traitor, what then 1 

Haavks. I advance on tip-toe — you always sit up late, reading in this 
room — you start ! This room opens on the conservatory — the conserva- 
tory on the garden 

Mrs. M, What then 1 {taking stage backwards and forwards) 

Haavks. Then when the moonlight trembled on the trees — when the 
night winds Avere hushed in the petals of the flowers — when all slept 
but love — I Avould be at your side, breathing low words of passion, and 
you would listen. 

Mrs. M. (r., forcing a laugh). Charming! were Ave in Seville! But 
here, you forget, Avindows have bars, and doors have bolts. 

Hawks. There are means to make both useless, {both going up 
stage.) 

Mrs. M. Bettev and better ! I see you are determined to destroy my 
night's rest at all events. I shall be dreaming of nothing but burglary 
and assassination ; imagining a bandit, duly masked, cloaked, and 
dark-lanterned, breaking into the house, at the least noise, (seated on 
ottoman. ) 



ACT I.] STILL WATERS BUN DEEP. 11 

Hawks, {leaning over her). Suppose you heard that noise at mid- 
night ? 

Mrs. M. And suppose others heard it besides me? A glass door 
bolted inside cannot be forced without some noise. 

Hawks. But if the bolt be wanting 1 

Mrs. M. (rood gracious ! (starting up and looking at door of con- 
servatory c. Aside) the inner bolt is removed ! 

Hawks. Weill 

Mrs. M. You are mad, Captain Hawksley. Ha! ha! ha! (forcing 
a laugh) But I forget, we are playing Senor and Senora ; and all this 
is not at Brompton, but might be Seville, {coming down and crossing 
to l. h.) But had we not better join papa and my aunt in the library '? 
They must have heard your cab drive up ; my aunt will wonder what 
has become of us. 

Hawks. Your aunt — pooh ! I'll take odds she's adorning, to receive 
me — putting on the slightest soupcon of rouge. It's extraordinary how 
some women will be young, in spite of nature and their looking-glasses. 

Mrs. M No, no ; you are too severe on poor auntie ; she's a great 
admirer of yours, and if I keep you so long en tete-a-tete, she'll be 
jealous of me. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 

Hawks. At least, let us walk round by the garden. I wish to con- 
gratulate Mildraay on his celery — and then it's so much longer. 

[Exeunt Mrs. Mildmay and Captain Hawksley, l. d. 1 e. 

Re-enter Mrs. Stersko-ld from behind the screen of plants in conser- 
vatory, suppressing signs of the most violent emotion. 

Mrs. S. The double-faced villain ! Oh, Hawksley ! Hawksley ! So, 
I wear rouge, do I ? And false hair, of course, and artificial teeth, too, 
I dare say. And Emily, too ! They walk smiling in each other's faces. 
Thank Heaven ! I'm not like that raw girl ! 1 can master my emotion 
until the time comes, and then beware, captain. You do not know the 
woman you have trifled with. [Exit, l. d. 1 e. 

Enter MiiyyLAY , folloioed by Jessop with carpet bag through c. d. of 
conservatory. 

Mild, (looking at his icatch). A quarter-past nine ! I shan't want 
the cab for half-an-hour yet. Let's see — yes — I shall have light enough 
to finish painting that trellis, I think. Just bring in the ladder, Jessop. 

[Exit Jessop, r. u e. 
Rather a bore, this journey to Manchester. I don't like leaving Emily 
— not that she minds. Twelve months to-morrow since we were made 
one ; I little thought we should be so completely two so soon. Oh, 
these aunts and mothers-in-law. Well, patience ! patience ! 

Re-enter Jessop, with ladder, paint, etc., r. u. e. 

Set it here ! (Jrcssop places Idader in c. of trellis, at bade of stage. 
Mildmay takes his off coat, and, ascending ladder, begins to paint) 
[Exit Jessop, with carpet bag, l. u. e. 

Enter Mr. Potter, followed by Captain Hawksley, l. d. 1 ?. 

Hawks, (l .). Magnificent celery ! I congratulate you, my dear Pot 
ter, on so horticultural a son-in-law ; it's a pursuit at once innocent and 
economical. 



12 STIIiL WATERS RUN DEEP. [ACT I. 

Pot. Yes ; I calculate every bundle costs only about twice as much 
as in Covent Garden. 

Hawks. Apropos— did Mrs. Sternhold mention to- vou that I'd allotted 
you fifty more galvanics 1 

Tot. Ye — es — I think she did mention something of the kind. 

Hawks. There's twenty pounds paid up, you know ; I suppose I may 
rely on the money for to-morrow 1 

Pot. Why, yon see, my dear Hawksley, I'm extremely obliged to you 
for letting me have the shares ; but the fact is, there's a leetle difficulty 
in the way. There is nil making women understand money matters, 
not even my sister — she's a most superior woman, but she's rather of 
an irritable constitution ; the slightest contradiction flies to her head. 
I'm sure she's a little upset at this moment, by a discussion we had 
this evening on the subject of these very shares. 
, Hawks, (smiling). Do you think the investment isn't a safe one 1 

Pot. On the contrary — on the contrary. But, you see, all the ready 
money I can command, just now, is payable to the trustees under my 
daughter" s settlement. In fact, it belongs not to me,, but my son-in- 
law. 

Hawks. Why, Mildmay must be a greater fool even than I take him 
for, if he objects to an investment guaranteeing eight per cent. 

Pot. Well, I'll tell you what ; let me propose ( it to Mildmay. If he 
agrees, it's settled — if not, you must settle the matter with Mrs. Stern- 
hold ; not that I have any objection to tell her, only contradiction does 
so fly to her head. 

Hawks. As you please. 

Re-enter Mrs. Sternhold and Mrs. Mildmay, l. d. 1 e. 

Here come the ladies. 

Pot. (in turning round, sees Mildmay on ladder, a). Egad ! there's 
Mildmay upon the ladder. 

Mrs. S. \l. c). Mr. Mildmay 1 Well, sir, I suppose you don't see 
us 1 

Mild, (c, on ladder). Yes, I see you. (looking down quietly.) 

Mrs. S. And do you see Captain Hawksley 1 

Mild. Oh, yes. I don't stand on ceremony with him. I'm sure the 
captain will allow me to finish my job. (continues his painting.) 

Hawks, (r. c, sneering). Oh ! I never disturb an artist at his work. 
Fresco, I think. 

Mild. No — "flatting" — that's the technical term. 

Hawks. Indeed! A punster might be provoked into saying it was 
proper work for a flat, (all laugh.) 

Mild. Flat? Oh! I see. Very good — very good indeed. Would 
you like to try your hand 1 

Hawks. No, thank you ; I've no talent for the fine arts. Charming 
color ! isn't it, ladies ? One would say Mildmay had a natural eye for 
green. 

Mild. You're very kind. Yes — I think it's rather a success — and 
when the creepers come to be trained over it 

Hawks. Why, you don't suppose any creepers will be weak-minded 
enough to grow there ? 

Mild. Why not? Parasites thrive uncommonly well in this house, 
you know, captain. 

Hawks. Parasites ! 

Mild. That's the technical name for what you call creepers. • 



ACT I.] STILL WATEKS EUN DEEP. 13 

Hawks. Ah ! I forget how learned you are in the Gardener's Chron- 
icle. But here's a letter for you. 

Mild. A letter for me 1 

Hawks. Yes ; I looked in at the Union, as I passed — there was a let- 
ter for you, so I brought it. It's from Manchester. 

Mild, {coming down). From Manchester, eh? And you've taken 
the troub'e~to bring it 1 How very kind of you. {takes letter and puts 
it into Ms coat pocket.) 

Pot. (r.). Well, if ever I saw a man so destitute of all natural curi- 
osity ! 

Hawks. Well, now I've played postman, and done my devoirs to the 
ladies, I must be off. {aside to Potter) Let me knqw how he decides 
about the shares, {crosses to l.) Good-night, Mrs. Sternhold — Mrs. Mild- 
may, {bows.) 

Mrs. M. Adieu, captain ! 

Hawks. No — not adieu — au revoir ! [Exit Hawksley, l. d. 1 e. 

Mrs. S-. {up stage, looking off at loindow. l. h.). What a bright 
moon ! I feel rather tired. Good-night, Emily. Take care of your- 
self, and don't sit up late, {crossing at back towards r. d. 1 e.) Good- 
night, Mr. Mildmay. You really must go to-night % Well, take plenty 
of wraps. Remember, you can't have Jessop, I want him in the morn- 
ing, so you must carry your carpet-bag yourself. 

Mild, (c.) Oh, very well. 

Mrs. S. The unsuspecting fool ! But I will watch for him and for 
myself. [Exit Mrs. Steuxhold, r. d. 1 e. 

Enter jessop, l. d. 1 e. ; with carcel lamp, which he puts on table r. 

Jes. The cab's at the door, sir. {fetches Mildmay's great coat and 
hat from dressing-room, l. d. u. e., and places them on ottoman.) 

[Exit Jessop. l. d. 1 e., with bag. 

Mild. Very well, put in my bag. Good-night, Emmy ! {kisses her 
on forehead.) 

Mrs. M. Oh ! must you really go, John 1 *Don't go — not to-night? 

Mild. I must, my dear. I sha'l be back to-morrow. Why, what's 
the matter 1 Your eyes are full of tears. Don't fret, there's a good 
girl. Good-night. 

Mrs. M. {gives a glance at the conservatory, and shudders — aside). 
Oh. no! He dare not! [Exit Mrs. Mildmay, l. d. 3 e. 

Pot. (as Mildmay is going). Stop, Mr. Mildmay. I want to speak 
to you. 

Mild. I'm rather in a hurry, (going.) 

Pot. (r.). You must stop. I want to. speak to you 

Mild (l., takes out his watch). Well, I can give you five minutes. 

Pot. (pauses, then looks awkwardly tip at trellis). An uncommonly 
neat piece of work ! Do you know, Mildmay, you're a first-rate pain- 
ter 1 and as for celery — I do believe you'd win the medal at the Horti- 
cultural. 

Mild. Eh ? That's not what you wanted to say. 

Pot. Eh I Well — no — you*re quite right, Mildmay, that wasn't what 
I wanted to say, though it's quite true, all the same. But I want to 
talk to you on a leetle matter of business. You're aware I owe your 
trustees eight thousand pounds, under Emmy's settlement, and that the 
money should have been paid two months ago. *■ 

Mild. I know that. 

Pot, Exaetly. Well, it occurred to my sister and me — that is, to me 
and my sister — that you might have no objection to investing some of 



14 STILL WATEES EUN DEEP. [ACT I. 

the money, under Emmy's settlement, in Galvanics. It's a magnificent 
speculation — perfectly safe— guarantees eight per cent., and so — to 
oblige her— I — I've been and taken fifty shares. 

Mild. I know that. 

Pot. Good gracious ! Why you know everything ! 

Mild. Not everything. 

Pot. But who could have told you I'd taken up the shares Captain 
Havvksley was kind enough to allot me 1 

Mild. Captain Hawksley himself ! He thought the best way to prove 
to me it was a good investment, was that you thought so. 

Pot. Eh 1 Has he been asking you to take shares, too? 

Mild. Should you have any objection to get rid of yours ? 

Pot. Why, the fact is, it's been my sister's doing all along ; and now 
she's undertaken for me to take fifty more shares, and, as they must be 
paid for out of the money due under Emmy's settlement, she thought 
you might have no objection to the arrangement, and, meanwhile, to 
take the interest of Emmy's money, instead of the principal. 

Mild. I've not the slightest objection, (going up for his hat, etc.) 

Pot. You haven't 1 

Mild. In fact I've a few loose thousands of my own at my banker's, 
and as you tell me this speculation is such a good one, I should like to 
trifle into it myself, say six or eight thousand. 

Pot. Risk six or eight thousand ! (aside) What a noodle he is ! Don't 
be in a hurry, my dear boy ! Six or eight thousand is no joke ! It's 
not wise to risk all one's eggs in one basket, you know. 

Mild. But they're not all my eggs ; and then it's clear from what 
you say the basket's a strong one. 

Pot. No doubt — no doubt. A magnificent speculation — as safe as 
the bank— but 

Mild. Well? 

Pot. As a young married man, don't you think, now — a good safe 
mortgage — though it should only bring you in five per cent 

Mild. My dear Mr. Potter, if you think it a good investment, why 
try to dissuade me from it] If you think it a bubble, why have you 
put my wife's money into it? 

Pot. Ehl Well— but— confound it! 

Enter Jessop, l. d. 1 e. 

Jes. Cabman says he can just save the mail train, sir. 

Mild. Very well ; I'm coming. [Exit Jessop, l. d. 1 e. 

Good-night ! Tell Hawksley I'll take a couple of hundred shares, if he 
can spare 'em. I'll call at his chambers to-morrow, as soon as I get 
back from Manchester. Good-night ! {goes Up stage.) 

Pot. {crossing to l.). Good-night ! and a pleasant journey, {aside) 
Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! My sister is a most superior woman, but she has 
a great deal to answer for ! And contradiction does so fly to her head. 

[Exit Potter, l. d. 1 e. 

Mild. Now for that letter, {opens letter given to him by Hawksley, 
and reads it rapidly) So this renders my trip to Manchester unneces- 
sary. I must see Gimlet, at once, and let him know of this discovery. 
{smiling) It was really very kind of Captain Hawksley to brimr this 
letter. [Exit, l. d. 1 e. 

Mrs. S. {looking out of her door, k. 1 e.). Hark ! the cab drives off! 
— Footsteps! — 'Tis Emily! (retires into her room, but comes out again 
quietly during Mrs. Mildmay's speech ; goes up, and crossing at back, 
comes down on Mrs. Mi»ldmay's left hand.) 



ACT I.] STILL WATERS. RUN DEEP. 15 



Enter Mrs. Mildmay, /jwh. her room, l. 3 e. 

Mrs. M. Mr. Mildmay ! Husband! Ha! wheels! It's too late! 
It's too late ! Oh, I had made up my mind to tell him all — to my own 
folly — to ask his pardon. If Hawksley should be so rash — so wicked — 
so frantic, as to execute his threat, what will become of me 1 But he 
dare not ! Surely he dare not! But I will be bold. I will wait here, 
and if he dare come— but shall I ever have the courage — oh. I shall 
faint — I shall go mad ! (sinks into a chair r. of table, and presses her 
head with her hands. Mrs. Sternhold advances on her, l , surveys 
her fiercely, then puts her hand on her shoulder.) 

Mrs. S. Mrs. Mildmay! 

Mrs. M. Aunt Jane ! How pale you are ! What is the matter 7 
Are you ill 1 Shall I call my maid? 

Mrs. S. What I have to say must be heard by none but you. 

Mrs. M. (trying to laugh). Nay, aunt; if you look so at me, I shall 
think I'm a little girl again, going to be sent to the dark closet for being 
naughty. 

Mrs S. Emily, would to Heaven your fault was one calling but for 
that childish correction ; for though I punished, I might still esteem 
you. 

Mrs. M. What have I done that you dare speak so to me 1 

Mrs. S. What have you done 1 You dare ask what you have done 1 
Do j T ou think I'm blind 1 Do you think you can hoodwink me as you 
have done your doting father, and your clod of a husband 1 I blush 
for you ! 

Mrs. M. Ido not understand you ! (rises.) 

Mrs. S. Oh, you do not understand me ! J must speak more plainly 
still, must 1 1 A man has addressed you as no man dares address a 
married woman till he has ceased to respect her. Captain Havvksley 
is your lover ! 

Mrs. M. It is false! 

Mrs. S. Is it 1 To-night it may be ; were I not here, would it be false 
to-morrow 1 Is it false that this man has a key to the garden door 1 
Is it false that to-night — in a few minutes, perhaps — he may be at that 
window — in this room — at your feet 7 Is that false? Answer me! 
(Mrs. Mildmay hides her face in her hands, and is silent) You cannot I 
(puts her across to l.) Go to your room ; ] will wait here. 

Mrs. M. You wait here ! — what for 1 

Mrs. S. To receive this man. 

Mrs. M. No — no ! 

Mas S. Go! 

Mrs. M. Oh, you will not 

Mrs. S. No remonstrance — go, I say ! (she seizes Mrs. Mildmay by 
the arm, and forces her off at door l. 3 e. She then returns o.nd goes 
rapidly to the conservatory) The door unbolted ! All was ready ! 
Hark ! was that any one stirring over head 1 Let me see all is quiet up 
stairs — and then for you. [Exit Mrs. Sterxhold, cautiously. 

He-enter Mildmay, with candle, l. d. 1 e. 

Mild. Wonderful fellows, these detectives ! Gimlet had got the new:? 
as soon as I did ; I came full tilt upon him, driving here at a gallop — ■ 
we nearly smashed each other. Let me see, I must tell Mrs. Sternhold 
at once, or she may be committing poor Potter still deeper with the fel- 
low ; she's an intelligent woman, and can keep a secret (goes to door, 



16 STILL WATERS RUN DEER [ACT I. 

r. 1 e., and taps) Mrs. Sternhold— don't be frightened — it's me — Mild- 
may — I've come back. Eh ] no answer, (looks through key-hole) She's 
not in her room. There's a light, too. Where can she be V Keeping 
my wife company, perhaps. Well, I'll deposit my carpet-bag in my 
dressing-room, and then pop in on Emmy — she seemed sorry 1 was 
going — she'll be glad I've come back — poor little thing! I think some- 
times she's beginning to care for me. Heigho ! 

[Exit, with candle, door l. u. e. 

Re-enter Mrs. Sternhold, r. d. 1 e. 

Mrs. S. All is quiet — my brother and the servants asleep. Hark ! (she 
turns the lamp-diion, and seats herself a . Lights down.) 

Enter Hawksley through c. d. of conservatory into room, coming 
down c. cautiously. 

Hawks, (springing towards Mrs. Sternhold). Emily! 

Mrs. S (starting up — turns up lamp). 'Tis not Emily ! (lights up. 
At this moment Mildmay is seen coming from his room, candle in hand 
— he starts — blows out the candle and stands listening, but so an not to 
be seen by the characters.) 

Hawks, (after a pause, recovering himself). Good-evening, Mrs. 
Sternhold ! Delighted to see you looking so brilliant — your headache 
is quite gone-, I trust. 

Mrs. S. (rises). Villain ! — Swindler ! — Adventurer ! — Imposter ! — Beg- 



gar 



Hawks. Your excitement makes you illogical. Allow me to observe 
that beggars don't ride, and that my cab is at the garden door. 

Mrs. S. Thanks to the poor dupes who pay for it, of whom I have 
been one too long. 

Hawks. You do us both injustice, my dear madam. You are too 
clever for a dupe — and I'm not clever enough 

Mrs. S. For a rogue 1 Excuse me — you have just the requisite 
amount of brains, but there is one quality you are deficient in. 

Hawks. And what may that be, pray 1 

Mrs. S. Prudence — or you would have foreseen the danger of mak- 
ing me your enemy. 

Hawks Allow me to offer you a chair, (placing chair by table r c, 
she sits) I see our tete-a-tete promises to be as long as it is already in- 
teresting, (takes chair, and sits l. c ) And now, my dear lady, I'm all 
attention ; if you will be kind enough to explain to me the cause of all 
this emotion 1 may perhaps succeed in calming it. 
t Mrs. S. You are here — and you dare ask the cause of my indignation. 

Hawks. I understand. My presence in Mrs. Mildmay's boudoir is an 
unpardonable crime — there might have been an excuse for me had it 
been yours. 

Mrs. S (hiding her face in her liands). If my weakness had exposed 
me to such an insult, a man of honor would have spared me it. 

Hawks, (contemptuously). A man of honor! In a word, — what is the 
meaning of this scene? Why are you -here'? What do you want 1 ? 
Where is your niece ! 

Mrs. S. Yonder, in her own room. You love her ? 

Hawks. Suppose I admit it? 

Mrs. S. And you dare to tell me sol (seizes a paper-knijc, which 
lies on the table. 

Hawks. How luckv it's not a dagger! 



ACT I.J STILL WATERS EUN DEEP. 17 

Mrs. S. {in passion of rage, breaks the paper-knife, and throics away 
tJie pieces). The dagger's a poor revenge. It kills too soon. 
Hawks. We have a variety of cold poisons. 

Mrs. S. Clever as you are, you cannot give a woman a lesson in re- 
venge. Trust the hate I feel for you from this night. My weapon shall 
not he dagger or poison. You see those pieces '.' {pointing to the frag- 
ments of the paper-knife) Before a month is past, I shall have broken 
you, as I have broken that! 

Hawks. You positively alarm me ! Is it possible I can be so brittle 1 
Mrs S. Laugh on till others laugh at you! 

Hawks. No — really — such a capital joke deserves to be laughed at. 
Mrs. S. Listen, Hawksley ; because I have been weak, you have 
thought me blind. 1 have been your benefactress — yes, wince ! I say 
your benefactress — but in your eyes I was but one dupe the more. You 
did not know that a woman could love a man without esteeming him. 
From the first day I have known you I have seen through you — your 
commission — your services — the credit you boast — the luxury you 
parade. I knew it all a lie — a shallow, transparent lie ! You are 

nothing — you have nothing 

Hawks. By Jove, madam {starting up) 

Mrs. S. Sit still. I have not done yet. I say, I knew you, and yet 
was weak enough to love you. That love drew me on to serve your 
ends — blindly, devotedly — to give countenance to your deceptions — 
credit to your lies ; this is what I have done for you, and thus it is I 
am rewarded. My blind love has made me thus guilty, and you — you, 
for whose sake I bave done these things — upbraid me with my weak- 
ness ! Heaven is just ! but 'tis bitter! very bitter! {she sobs bitterly.) 
Hawks. Don't cry ! you'll spoil your complexion ! 
Mrs. S. {rising). From this moment I devote myself to your destruc- 
tion, with all the energy I have hitherto employed for your service. I 
know your heart is invulnerable. I will not strike at that. 
Hawks. At my fortune, I presume 1 

Mrs. S. Your fortune ! 1 have but to let in the light upon its shame- 
ful secrets, and it crumbles to the ground. 
Hawks. But you won't let in the light. 
Mks. S. I have done so. 
Hawks. Really ! 

Mrs. S. The money I had wrung from my brother for your specula- 
tion, and on which you rely to meet your engagements to-morrow, will 
not be paid. 

Hawks. Oh, at last! {rises) I was waiting for you to get out of the 
quicksands of sentiment to the solid ground of business. "Be good' 
enough to listen to me — and, above all, follow my argument closely. I 
am here in two characters — as a gentleman, and as a man of business. 
As a gentleman, I confess, my conduct has been scandalous — I admit 
it. Call me what you like, I deserve the very worst your abundant 
vocabulary can supply. But, as a man of business — hands off! There 
I decline your jurisdiction altogether. The speculator cannot in fair- 
ness be saddled with the lover's peccadilloes. Mr. Mildmay intends to 
invest largely, I hope, in Galvanics. You will be good enough not to 
prevent him from executing that laudable intention. 
Mrs S. He will not come. 
Hawks. 0, yes he will. 
M.s. S. I will forbid him. 

Hawks. And I forbid you to say a word to him in the matter ! And 
woe to you if you breathe one syllable of my concerns to him, or any 
other living soul ! You talk of my imprudence ! have you forgotten your 



18 STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. [ACT I. 

own'? You can ruin my fortune ! True. But your own reputation — 
that reputation, so intact — so awful— kept up at such a cost of hypocrisy 
and deceit. I am an adventurer ! Granted. What are you 1 

Mrs. S. A most unhappy woman! (sits.) 

Hawks. You will have a better title to that name when I have shown 
you to the world in your colors. 

Mrs. S. It is not in your power. Who will believe you f 

Hawks. Allow me to observe that I am the fortunate possessor of no 
less than thirteen of your letters. 

Mrs. S. (rises). You have not burnt them, as you swore you had 
done, on your honor. 

Hawks. My honor ! How could you trust that security 1 Oh, no ! 
One doesn't burn such letters as yours. 

Mrs. S. Alas ! Even I did not know this man ! 

Hawks, (looking at Ms watch). Half-past twelve o'clock ! How time 
flies, to be sure! I've to be up early at business ; and late hours will 
ruin your complexion. Addio ! Remember my ultimatum! Peace 
or war, as you will. I prefer peace, infinitely ! I hate giving pain to a 
woman! But if Mildmay doesn't show to-morrow — with the money — 
your interesting autographs will be added to the literature of the coun- 
try. En attendant — allow me to wish you a very good night ! [he goes 
tip toioards door of conservatory, c, then turns ; Mrs. Sternhold 
crosses toioards l, d. 3 e. ; Mildmay is seen to step forward and clench 
Ms fist, but checks himself, and retires, l. d. it. e.). By the way, I dine 
here to-morrow. I hope our little scene of to-night will not prevent 
your receiving me with your usual amiability. 

[Exit Hawksley, by c. d. of conservatory. 
Mrs. S. Ruffian ! Coward ! Should he dare to expose those fatal 
letters, he will destroy me! But I must be calm — this girl shall not 
see a trace of emotion, (goes to door, l. 3 e., and opens it) Emily ! 

Enter Mrs. Mildmay, l. d. 3 e, 

Emily. I (turns faint.) 

Mrs. M. Is he gone 1 

Mrs. S. For this night you are safe. This man dare not — dare not ! 
Oh, what will he not dare I (crossing towards r. d. 1 e., while speaking.) 

Mrs. M. Aunt, dear aunt! Be composed! Come with me ! Come 
to bed ! (aside) What can have passed between them 1 

[Exeunt Mrs. Mildmay, leading Mrs. Sternhold, r. d. 1 e. 

Enter Mildmay, from room, d. l. u. e. 

Mild. So ! I knew he was a rascal — but I'd no notion Mrs. Stern- 
hold had been such af >ol! But when your strong-minded woman does 
break loose, a Welsh river after a floor is a joke to her ! Poor Emily, ■ 
too ! She has had a narrow escape ! Perhaps, after all, I have carried 
the laissez aller principle too far. It's a capital rule in political 
economy — but it don't do in married life, I see; that wants a coup 
d'etat now and then. So ! My wife ! (goes up stag} toioards conserva- 
tory ) 

Re-enter Mrs. Mildmay, r. d. 1 e. 

Mrs. M. She's calmer now. I must go to my room for ether, (going 
towards her room, l. 3 e , sees Mildmay, and, not recognizing him at 
first, screams) Stand back, sir ! How dare you 1 



ACT II.] STILL WATEES EUN DEEP. 19 

Mild, {coming forward, l. c. ). Don't be alarmed,, my dear. It's 
only John. 

Mrs. M. My husband come back 1 Thank Heaven ! I'm safe now ! 

Mild. I hope so. But what's the matter? Why are you up at this 
hour ? How comes that garden door open ? 

Mrs. M. I — I — don't know. Was it open 1 

Mild. Yes — I found it so just now, as I came back from the station. 

Mrs. M. Then you're not going to Manchester. Do not leave me. 
Stay — do stay ! 

Mild. My journey's unnecessary, I find. But, about this open door'? 
I must take a survey of the premises. Jessop was firing at the black- 
birds to-day. He left his gun in the root-house. 

Mrs. M. No — no ! Oh, consider ! — if you should meet him 

Mild. Him ! — who? 

Mrs. M. The — robber — the man ! 

Mild. Oh ! then there is a man ? 

Mrs. M. No — no ! Didn't you say you thought there was 1 

Mild. Not I ! But, to satisfy you, I'll make the round of the garden. 

Miss. M. No — no. 

Mild. Don't be alarmed, Emmy. I shall take the gun, and use it — 
if necessary, (going up stage.) 

Mrs. M. Oh, Heaven! If they meet! (sinking into a chair, r. c, 
and clasping her hands.) 

Tableau — as drop descend. 



ACT II, 



SCENE I. — Breakfast room in Mr. Mildmat's house. Door r. 2 e. 
Breakfast table and tico chairs, c. Small icriting table, r. Mrs. 
Stern hold r. of table, and Mr. Potter at head of table seated at 
breakfast. 

Pot. Why, Jane, you positively have eaten no breakfast ! And now I 
look at you. I declare you are as pale as a sheet of paper, and your 
eyes are red, and I'm sure you're feverish. You are not well, my dear 
Jane. You're far from well — in fact, you're very ill — I'm sure you're 
very ill. Do let me give you a globule. 

Mrs. S. Nonsense, brother, I don't believe in globules. It's merely 
the consequences of our discussion yesterday. You know discussion 
always makes me ill. 

Por. But, my dear Jane, there's not the least occasion to be ill this 
morning. I've agreed to do as you wished. Hawksley shall have the 
rnone/ for those shares this very day. It's an excellent investment, as 
yon proved last night. 

Mi; s. S And pray who ever said anything of the kind ] 

Pot. Why, didn't you? 

Mrs S. Certainly not ; you are always misunderstanding me. 

Pot. (joyously). Oh, there's time enough yet, for the matter of that. 
If you don't think it a good investment, say so, and I'll write to Hawks- 
ley, and tell him I've changed my mind by your advice. 

Mrs. S. Of course ; lay the responsibility upon me. 

Put. Well, you see, as far as I am concerned, Id rather not nave 
anything to do with the affair; there's mischief enough done as it is, 



20 STILL. WATEB3 KUX DEEP. [ACT H. 

particularly as Mildmay has taken it into his head to invest six or 
seven thousand in it himself. 

Mrs. S. Mildmay invest his money in Captain Hawksley's company 1 

Pot. Certainly ; didn't he tell you 1 He was to have seen the captain 
to-day about it, after his return from Manchester. As he didn't go to 
Manchester, I suppose he'll call on him when he goes into the city this 
morning ; he's late — poor Emmy's very unwell. 

M«s. S. Go at once, and beg Mildmay to come here before he goes. 

Pot. Yes, my dear. I'll thank you for another cup of tea 1 

Mrs S. I said at once-, brother. 

Pot. (rising). Certainly, my dear Jane — certainly, I am going, (aside) 
That woman's the guardian angel of our family. [Exit, k. d. 

Mrs. S. (rises). Not satisfied with my brother's fortune, he wishes to 
secure Mildmay's, too ! And that poor silly girl fancies this man loves 
her — loves her for her own sake. I thought so once — fool that I was ! 
But so long as my letters remain in his possession I am at his mercy — 
I and mine. I must have those letters, be their price what it may. Oh, 
if I could but inspire Mildmay's sluggish nature with one spark of 
chivalry or sentiment ! He is so dull ! But he is at least braver and 
more manly than this coward. He must extort from his fears what I 
could never obtain from his generosity. 

Enter Mildmay, r. d. 2 e. 

Good-morning. How is Emily 1 

Mild. (r.). Not well ; she has had a bad night ; my sudden depar- 
ture annoyed her, and my sudden return startled her. I recommended 
her to breakfast in her own room. Mr. Potter told me you wanted to 
see me. 

Mrs. S. Yes; I have a secret to confide to you — a most important 
secret ; one I should not dare to trust to any one in whom I had not 
the most implicit confidence. 

Mild. I'm much obliged to you; what is it? And as I have not 
breakfasted, if you will give me a cup of tea while you tell me. (sits l. 
of table) 

Mrs. S. (crossing to r. and resuming her seat, pouring out tea, efa ). 
Promise me first, not to mention the subject to any one — not even your 
wife. 

Mild. My wife ! Didn't you say it was a secret 1 The cream, 
piease. 

Mrs. S. If your mother were alive, and a man had insulted her, what 
would you do I 

Mild. The right thing, of course. Might I trouble you for the sugar 
basin t 

Mrs. S. You have lost your mother ; so has Mrs. Mildmay; but your 
marriage with her has given you a claim upon me, second only to that 
of a brother. From all I have seen of you, 1 feel I may expect of you 
a brother's devotion. 

Mild. Do you 1 Butter, please. 

Mrs S. Suppose, then, a man had insulted me in the most flagrant 
way. I am a woman — a widow ; I have no son ; my brother is an old 
num. Suppose I said to you, " you alone can defend my cause : to you 
alone I can look for aid — for protection ; aid me — protect me !" what 
would you answer 1 

Mild. Eh ! — Well — I really don't know. What should you recom- 
mend me to answer ? 



ACT II.] STILE WATERS RUN DEEP. 21 

Mrs. S. Are you a man, and ask that ? You surely did not listen to 
the case I put. 

Mild. Why. you see we Lancashire folk are somewhat dull of com- 
prehension. If you'd speak out, straightforward like, I might under- 
stand you better. 

Mrs. S. If a man. gave you a blow, what would you do 1 

Mild. Hit Mm again. 

Mrs. S. Yes, if he were a bruiser ; but if he were a gentleman, you 
would use the weapons of a gentleman in your defence. Your honor 
and that of your wife's relatives are one ; you have been insulted 
through me. Now, do you understand ? 

Mild. I see ; a lady has been insulted, and she wishes me to insist on 
gentlemanly satisfaction on her account. "Well, there's only one remark 
I wish to make on that point: yesterday, after dinner, as I was lying 
on the sofa asleep, as you thought, you said to my wife, " Mr. Mildmay 
is dull, stupid, I admit it; but then he has none of those ridiculous 
pretensions that most men set up to a will of his own ; you could do 
what you like with him. if you'd only take the trouble." 

Mrs. S. (embarrassed). I don't remember saying anything of the 
kind. 

Mild. Don't you 1 I do. I have no doubt that you were quite right ; 
only I don't see how a man without any will of his own is to set up a 
character for pluck and energy all of a sudden, and turn fire-eater, not 
on his own account, but on yours ; there's my difficulty. 

Mrs. S. This is no answer, Mr. Mildmay. 

Mild. Isn't if? I think I can put it into unmistakable English. I 
have been married for a year, and I've taken things as they came. I 
confess I have always had a sort of idea a man ought to be master in his 
own house; but I know that isn't your notion ; you think a man ought 
to let his wife lead him by the nose ; that a woman should control every- 
thing ; in fact, you're the head of the family. I daren't ask a friend 
home to dinner without notice given, and leave obtained beforehand; 
the servants look to you for orders, and to me only for wages ; you 
settle the patterns of the furniture, and the laying out of the garden ; 
in short, you're A 1, and I'm nobody. I've no objection; only if I'm 
not to have any authority, I can't think of taking any responsibility ; if 
I am a cipher, I claim the right to act as a cipher. 

Mrs. S. As I expected, (aside) You are right ; each to his place. I 
knew you had abnegated the duties of head of a family ; I thought it 
just possible you might still retain the feelings of a man. (rises) You 
have shown me my error — I am much obliged to you. Good-morning, 
sir.' [Exit Mrs. Sternhold, indignantly, r. d. 2 e. 

Mild. I hope she understood that, at all events. 

Re-enter Potter, r. d. 2 e. 

Pot. (sits r. of table). Eh ! Well, Mildmay, have you settled matters 
with my sister ? 

Mild. Well, I think 1 have pretty well; it was about those shares of 
Hawksley's. {breakfasting.) 

Pot. I knew it was. Well, it appears she has changed her mind 
about 'em. 

Mtld. Not that I know of. I'm off to Hawksley's directly after break- 
fast ; and— talking of that — have you got the shares he allotted to you 
last week? 

Pot. Yes ; (taking out his pocket-book) here they are. 

Mild. If you like to endorse them to me, I've no objection to take 



22 STILL WATEKS RUN DEEP. [ACT IT. 

them at par, on account of so ranch of the money owing under my 
wife's investment. 

Pot. Take the shares at par ! (rises and goes to writing-table to en- 
dorse shares) Delighted, my dear boy — de — lighted. But you're sure 
it's all right ? Is my sister aware of it 1 

Mild. Oh, Mrs. Sternhold and I understand each other. There's no 
time to be lost — I want to catch the first 'bus to the city. 

Pot. There you are — twenty scrip certificates at par, that's one thou- 
sand pounds, and that makes seven thousand pounds I owe you now, 
instead of eight thousand pounds, (gives shares) But, my dear boy, (as 
Mildmat crosses to r. d.) I'd inquire about the speculation, if 1 were 
you, in the city, just by way of precaution. I would, indeed. You're 
not up to this sort of thing, you know. 

Mild. Oh, never mind me. I know I'm no conjuror — but, perhaps, 
after all, father-in-law, I'm not such a fool as I look. 

[Exit Mildmat, r. d. 2 e. 

Pot. Poor lad ! Poor lad ! Now he thinks himself a devilish clever 
fellow ! If he had a little of my experience ! But there's no taking 
the self-conceit out of the young men now-a-days. 

[Exit Potter, r. d. 2 e. Servants dear stage. 

SCENE II. — Captain Hawkslet's apartments. Door l. 2 e. ; window 
r., with chintz hangings; a profusion of prints, pictures, etc. ; 
books gayly bound ; a lounging chair, c. ; fireplace, c. ; an office 
table, covered with papers, prospectuses, plans, etc , r. c; a check 
book, note-case half full of notes, and packet of thirteen letters, in 
drawer on r. of table ; chair r. of table ; another table, l., with 
colored plans of the " Inexplosible Galvanic Boats ;" chairs 
about stage. Hawkslet is discovered writing in a fashionable 
morning wrapper and smoking-cap, seated r. of table. 

Hawks, (pausing from his writing to look at his watch). Eleven 
o'clock, and no signs of Mildmay ! Surely that wildcat of a woman 
knows better than to carry out her threat of "peaching. She ought to 
know Pm not a man to be trifled with, (rises.) 

" Sweet is revenge — especially to women." 

But reputation is still sweeter, and, thanks to her remarkably indiscreet 
pen, hers is in my hands — and she knows it. I'm a cool hand, I flatter 
myself, but, by Jove, she nearly threw me off my balance last night ! 
That sudden turn up of the lamp was devilish well managed, (taking 
up plan) But this infernal Company. I never was so deep in a thing 
before without seeing my way out. After all, I should have done better 
to have stuck by Tattersall's and the Turf. The Ring are sharp fellows, 
but they're regular green 'uns compared with those blades of the Stock 
Exchange. Those muffs at the Home Office crow about shutting up 
the West End hells ; but what's chicken-hazard to time bargains 1 A 
fellow who risks his hundred on the spinning of a roulette ball is a 
gambler, and may be quodded by the first beak that comes handy, 
but let him chance his hundred thousand on the up or down of 
the three per cents, every month of the twelve, and he may cultivate 
domestic felicity at his box at Brompton, in the respectable character 
of a man of business. Ha ! ha ! ha ! John Bull is certainly a fine, 
practical, consistent animal, (a knock at door, l.) Come in. 

Enter Dunbilk, l. d. 2 e. 



ACT n.] STILL WATEES RUN DEEP. 23 

Dux. Ah, Hawksley, me boy, how are ye 1 

Hawks. Right as a trivet, my prince of prospectusmongers. 

Dun. Ah, don't ye be puttin' the blarney on me, then. Look at that, 
(giving newspaper) and see if that don't be taking the grin out of ye. 
Sure I've marked it wid a black edge, like a mourn in' letther. 

Hawks, (looking blank). Confound it ! Galvanics at two-and-a-half 
discount. That's fishy ! 

Dun. Mighty piscatorial, me boy ! and, betwixt you and me and the 
post, if you and me, and the Direction generally, doesn't look mighty 
sharp, the two-and-a-half will be foive by to-morrow. 

Hawks. The devil ! Why, they were at two premium only yesterday. 

Dun. It's that blackguard, Bolter ; he's blowed the gaff. I tould the 
Direction they couldn't afford to quarrel wid the Secretary. 

Hawks. But how could we keep a fellow who had been robbing us 
to the tune of a hundred a month 1 

Dun. And what o' that 1 Sure wasn't he the manes of getting us tin 
times that out o' the public ? The craythur was rared for the church ; 
why wouldn't he be taking his tithe ? 

Hawks. Well, there's only one thing for it — we must rig the market. 
Go in and buy up every share that's offered. 

. Dun. Divilish asy to say "buy," but where's the tin to come from 1 
I called in at Flimsy's, as I came along, and they looked so black at 
me, in the parlor, that I felt it a superfluous act of politeness to inquire 
after the state of our balance. 

Hawks. I've a thousand in this note case ; and, besides, expect a few 
more thousands to-day. 

Dun. The divil you do 1 Hooray! Corn in Egypt! It's yourself 
that's the boy can do it. I'll go bail you've been dhrawing that Bromp- 
ton milch cow of yours again. Sure there's a dale of bleeding in that 
ould Potter — and he's mighty polite, too. Sure he asked me to dine 
with him to-day. 

Hawks. I shall meet you there. But I've a better fish on my hook 
than old Potter — his son-in-law. 

Dun. What, young Mildmay ? I know the individual, and respect 
him. Mind what ye're about, me boy. He's from Lancashire — and 
thim north-country boys is as cute as Dublin car dhrivers. 

Hawks. Then this fellow's a cock-tail — for a greater flat was never 
potted. 

Dun. Anyhow he'd find his match in you, if he was as sharp as Cor- 
ney Rooney's pig, that always bolted a week afore quarter day, for fear 
he'd be made bacon of, to pay the rint. The top of the mornin' to ye, 
me boy. I'll be off to the city and give our Boord the office. By the 
powers, but they ought to vote you a piece of plate. 

Hawks. Well, a handsome salver would not look amiss on my side- 
board. 

Dun. Divil the salver — sure I'd suggest a stew pan. 

Hawks. A stew pan ! 

Dun. It's nate and appropriate. Brass outside, and tin at the bottom. 

[Exit DUNBILK, L. D. 2 E. 

Hawks. Curse his bogtrotting impudence! But that's the worst of 
letting one's self down to this city work. At the Corner one was safe to 

be in a gentlemanly set, but east of Temple Bar they're such d d 

low fellows. 

Enter a Servant, l. d. 2 e. 

Servant. Mr. Mildmay. 

Hawk^. Bravissimo ! Here, bring this table down from the fire. (tJie 



21 STILL WATEBS KUN DEEP. [ACT II. 

Servant moves writing table, r. c, down level with first grooves, and 
places easy chair beside it, in c.) Now show him in. (sits r. of table.) 

Exit Servant, who re-enters immediately, showing in Mildmay. 'Exit 
Servant. Hawksley pretends to be absorbed in his writing, and 
leaves Mildmay, upon his entrance, standing. 

Hawks, (looking up). A thousand pardons, my dear fellow ! One 
gets so absorbed in these cursed figures. Take a chair. You'll allow 
me to finish what I was about. 

Mild. Don't miud me. I'm in no hurry. 

Hawks, (after a minute of pretended work). By the way, if you'll look 
on that table, you'll find a plan of our Inexplosible Galvanic Boat some- 
where. Just glance your eye over it, while I knock off this calculation 
■ — it will give you an idea of the machinery. (Mildmay approaches table 
l., and takes up a plan, and while pretending to look at it, surveys the 
room, etc. Hawksley puts away his papers, and rises) And, now my 
dear Mildmay, I'm at your service. But, before we come to business, 
how are all at Brompton'? The ladies all well 1 

Mild. Mrs. Sternhold's a little out of sorts this morning. 
Haws. Ah ! Had a bad night % 
Mild. I should think so. 

Hawks, (at table). Well, I had a note from Potter. He tells me you 
had some thoughts of taking shares in our Galvanics. Ever done much 
in that sort of thing ? 
Mild. No, not yet. 

Hawks. I fancied not, by the style in which you seem to have talked 
of get-tins shares, as if you thought they could be had for asking. You 
see there's been such a run on 'em that we've had twice as many ap- 
plied for as could be allotted. But there may be a few in the market 
still. Another week, and you'd not have had a chance. Perhaps it 
would be as well, though, before you connect yourself with it, that I 
should give you, briefly, an idea of our scheme, our means of carrying 
it out, and its probable results, (crosses to k. c.) 
Mild. If you would be so kind. 

Hawks. Fetch yourself a chair, then, (they sit) Steam, it has often 
been remarked, is yet in its infancy — galvanism, if I may be allowed 
the comparison, is unborn. Our Company proposes to play midwife to 
this mysterious power, which, like Hercules, is destined to strangle 
steam in the cradle. But, to do this effectually is the work of no mere 
every-day speculator. We require a plan of operations calculated on 
a solid and comprehensive basis. You follow me. 

Mild. A solid and comprehensive basis? I suppose that means a 
good lot of money. 

Hawks. Precisely. Money is the sinews of industry, as of war. Now, 
to anticipate events a little, let us throw ourselves into the future, and 
imagine our Company at work. We have created between the ports of 
the west of Ireland and the United States, Mexico, the West India 
Islands, and Brazil, a line of Galvanic Boats — rapid, economical, safe, 
and regular. For rapidity, we can give four knots an hour to the fastest 
steamer yet built. As for safety, our Galvanic engines can't blow up. 

Mild. But suppose the Company should? Companies do blow up 
sometimes, don't they 1 

Hawks. Bubbles do, but not such Companies as this. But, to re- 
sume: economy we insure, by getting rid of coal altogether. 

Mild. Get rid of coal ! Do you really 1 And pray what do you use 
instead 1 



ACT II.] STILL. WATERS RUN DEEP. 25 

Hawks. Our new motive principle. That is our secret at present. 
But jhmi will at once perceive, as an intelligent man of business, the 
incalculable consequences that must follow from the employment of a 
new motive principle, which combines the essential qualities of a motive 
principle — the maximum of speed and the minimum of cost. (Mildmay 
bows) You see there are three things to be considered — the article, the 
duty, and the cost of carriage. The two former being fixed, let us 
represent them by A and B. You understand algebra ? 

Mild. I used to know a little of it at school. 
X 

Hawks. Then let X and — denote the respective cost of the two 
2 
modes of carriage — while the two rates of profit are represented by Y 
aiiilY'. 

Mild. Which, in algebra, always denote an unknown quantity. 

Hawks. Precisely. Well, A and B remaining constant, let Y=A 
B 
plus — be the formula for profit in the case of steam, then Y l = A plus 

X 
B 

■ — divided by 2, will be the formula for profit in the case of galvanic 
X . 

transport — or, reducing the equations, Y x = 2 Y, or, in plain English, 
the profit on galvanic transport equal to twice the profit on steam car- 
riage. I hope that's clear! 

Mild. Perfectly — only, as you began by assuming the cost of the 
first at only half that of the second, I don't see what need there was 
of any algebra to prove the profit double. 

Hawks. Ah! — Why. you see — some people apprehend a thing more 
clearly in symbols. However, to return to our plan of operations. 
You observe we start from a port in the west of Ireland ; by this means 
we gain six days on Liverpool, Bristol, and the western ports of Eng- 
land. At one blow we destroy Liverpool. 

Mild. The devil you do! I've property in Liverpool. 

Hawks. Next, we destroy Bristol. 

Mild. Destroy Bristol, too ! 

Hawks. That is, when I say destroy, we reduce her to a second-rate 
port. She will still have the coasting and fruit trade, and may do a 
little in turtle. . We destroy Hull 

Mild. But stop — stop — stop. You're going to destroy everything. 

Hawks. My dear fellow, it's the law of the universe If by our line we 
can introduce West Indian sugar into the market at two-thirds the 
price of East Indian, are we to hesitate because Ceylon may be ruined ? 

Mild. Of course not. I suppose that would be what the political 
economists call sentiment alism. 

Hawks. Precisely. If Ceylon is ruined on these terms, so much the 
better for the world in general. 

Mild. And so much the worse for Ceylon in particular. 

Hawks. Just so. I see you follow me exactly. 

Mild. Only. I was thinking: 

Hawks. Pray speak out. The suggestions of a new, fresh mind are 
invaluable. You were thinking 

Mild. That, as the general interest is made up of particular interests, 
if you destroy the particular interests, perhaps the general interest. may 
not be so much benefited after all. 

Hawks Ah, there you get into an abstruse field of speculation. 

Mild. Do I ? It seems clear enough to me. (both rise.) 



26 STILL WATERS EUN DEEP. [ACT II. 

Hawks. That's because 3 r ou take a shallow view of the subject. 

Mild. One I can see to the bottom of, in fact ! 

Hawks. Precisely. A man of your calibre should always distrust 
what he can see to the bottom of. 

Mild. I generally do. Well, after your very lucid demonstration, I 
see your company cannot fail of success. The more shares a man has 
the more lucky he should think himself, (goes up to tabls l. and puts 
down his hat.) 

Hawks, (aside). Hook'd, play'd and landed ! (pretending to look on 
table for note) I've mislaid Potter's note — but he mentioned your want- 
ing something like two hundred shares, wasn't it 1 

Mild. I beg your pardon — not exactly— I think 

Hawks. Why, wasn't that tne figure you put it at yourself, last 
night] 

Mild. Last night — yes. 

Hawks. You haven't changed your mind? 

Mild. No. 

Hawks. Then let us understand each other. Do you want more than 
two hundred, or fewer ? 

Mild. Neither more — nor fewer. 

Hawks What do you mean 1 

Mild. I mean, I don't want any at all. 

Hawks, (starting with surprise). Thedev— (recovering himself) Oh! 
I suppose you've slept on it. 

Mild. Exactly ! I've slept on it. 

Hawks. Perhaps Mrs. Slernhold's advice may have had something to 
do with your sudden change of intentions. 

Mild. Mrs. Sternhold knows nothing about my sudden change of in- 
tentions. 

Hawks. I must satisfy myself on that point, (comes in front of table.) 

Mild. Do, by all means, if it interests you. 

Hawks, (sitting on corner of table). Well, as you don't know your 
own. mind for four-and-twenty hours together, there's nothing more to 
be said But as you don't want these shares, may I ask what has pro- 
cured me the pleasure of seeing you this morning '! 

Mild. Certainly. I had two objects in coming. In the first place, 
about two months ago, my father-in-law, Mr. Potter, took twenty shares 
in your Company. Those shares have come into my hands this morning 
by Mr. Potter's endorsements. Now, as I don't care about 'em myself, 
and as there seems such a rush for 'em in the market, I suppose you'll 
have no objection to take them off my hands at par. 

Hawks. Eh ? " Take them off your hands at par ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
No ! By Jove, that's rather too good ! My dear Mr. Mildmay, I know 
you're the most amiable of men— a consummate cultivator of that deli- 
cate vegetable, celery — a distinguished house painter and decorator — but 
I had no idea how great you were at a practical joke. 

Mild. Very well. We'll drop the shares for the present, and come 
to motive number two. 

Hawks. Pray do — and if it's better fun than motive number one, I 
shall have to thank you for two of the heartiest laughs I've enjoyed for 
many a day. 

Mild. We shall see. You have in your possession thirteen let- 
ters, addressed to you by Mrs. Sternhold. The second motive for my . 
visit was to ask you to give up those letters. 

Hawks, (aside). So! the murder's out ! She prefers war ! She shall 
have it! (aloud) M\ John Mildmay, your first demand was a good 
joke — 1 laughed at it accordingly; but your second you may find no 



ACT II.] STILL WATEKS RUN DEEP. 27 

joke, and I would recommend you to be caveful how you persist in 
executing this commission of Mrs. Sternhold's. 

Mild. I beg your pardon. 1 have no commission from Mrs. Stern- 
hold. 

Hawks. It was not she who told you of those letters 1 
Mild. Certainlv not. 
Hawks. Who did ? 

Mild. You must excuse my answering that question. 
Hawks. Then you are acting now on your own responsibility ? 
Mild. Entirely. 

Hawks. Very well— then this is my answer: Though you have mar- 
ried Mrs. Sternhold's niece, I do not admit your right to interfere, 
without authority from Mrs Sternhold herself, in an affair in which she 
alone is interested. I refuse to give up her letters. As to your first 
request, my business is to sell shares, not to buy them. 

Mild. I was prepared for both refusals ; so I have taken my measures 
for compelling you to grant both demands. 

Hawks. The devil you have ! Do let me hear what they are 1 I 
am all impatience to know how you propose to make Harry Hawksley 
say yes, when he has begun by saying no. You've no objection to 
smoke ? 

Mild. None in the world. (Hawksley seats himself comfortably in 
easy chair, putting his legs on another chair, and lights a cigar, r. c.) 
Hawks. Now, my very dear sir, fire away ! 

Mild, (sits l. c ; then, in a very calm voice, after watching him). 
"When you explained the theory of your speculation just now, you 
thought you were speaking to a greenhorn in such matters. You were 
under a mistake. Some four years ago I held a partnership in a house 
in the city, which did a good deal in discounting shares — the house of 
Dalrymple Brothers, of Broad street. You may have heard of it. 
(Hawksley starts) One day— it was on the 30th of April, 1850 — a bill 
A\as presented for payment at our counting-house, purporting to be 
drawn on us by our correspondents. Touchet and Wright, of Buenos 
Ay res. ( Haavksley appears uneasy) Though we had no advices of it, it 
was paid at once, for it seemed all right and regular ; but it turned out 
to be a forgery. Our correspondents' suspicions fell at once upon a 
clerk who had just been dismissed from their employment for some 
errors in his accounts. His name then was Burgess — dear me, you've 
let your cigar out. (Hawksley puffs at his cigar with an effort) The 
body of the bill was apparently in the same handwriting as the signa- 
ture of the firm ; but a careful examination of it established its identity 
with that of the discharged clerk ; and in a blotting- hook left acci- 
dentally behind him were found various tracings of the sicrnnture of the 
firm. The detectives were at once put upon his track, hut he had dis- 
appeared : no trace of him could ever be discovered. Wall, (his money 
was repaid, and the affair forgotten. It so happened, (lint when the 
bill was presented for payment, only one person was in the counting- 
house — the clerk who paid the money, and who is since dead. — If you'll 
allow me, I'll join you. {taking out cigar-case) But in the private room 
of the firm, which was separated from the counting-house by a glazed 
door, was the junior partner — may I trouble you for a light 1 — {ligliis his 
cigar by Hawkslky's) who, through the door, saw the bill presented, 
and observed the face of the person who presented it. I was that 
junior partner. The person who presented the bill — Burgess, as he 
was then called — the forger — was you! 

Hawks, {falls back in his chair, then, with an effort). It is an in- 



28 STILIi WATEES RUN DEEP. [ ACT I1 « 

famous calumny ! — an abominable lie! Your life shall answer for this 
insult! 

Mild. I don't think that quite. But allow me to conclude. How 
you have passed your time since that 30th of April, 1850, I have not the 
advantage of knowing ; but 1 know that soon after my marriage and 
retirement from business I met you as a visitor at my father-in-law's 
house. I've a wonderful memory for faces — I remembered yours at 
oncp. 

Hawks. It's a lie, I tell you! (rises.) 

Mild. No, it isn't. I resolved not to speak till I could back my 
words by proofs. I applied to my late partners for the forged bill. 
One of them was dead, the other absent in South America ; so that for 
ten months I found myself obliged to receive, as a guest at my own 
table, as the intimate and trusted friend of my wife's family, a person I 
knew to be a swindler and a forger ! 

Hawks. By heavens ! — (aiming a blow at Mildmay, which he stops, 
and forces Hawksley down into easy chair.) 

Mild. Take care! If we come to that game, remember it's town 
versus country; a. hale Lancashire lad against a battered London roue ; 
fresh air and exercise to smoke and speculation. You had better be 
quiet — a minute more, and I have done. The letter I had been so long 
waiting for, containing the forged bill, arrived yesterday from Manches- 
ter. You were kind enough to bring it out to Brompton yourself. That 
bill is in my pocket. If 1 do not deliver it into your hands before I 
leave the room, it goes at once into those of the nearest police-magis- 
trate. 

Hawks, (after a pause, gloomily). What are your terms 1 

Mild. The price of those shares at par, and Mrs. Sternhold's thirteen 
letters. 

Hawks, (rises, goes round table, and takes notes out of drawer). 
Here's the money. 

Mild, (at upper end of table, n ). You'll excuse my counting. It's 
a mercantile habit I learnt in the house of Dalrymple Brothers, (counts 
notes) Quite correct. Here are the scrip certificates, (giving him 
shares) And now, if you please, the letters? 

Hawks, (taking bundle of letters from drawer, and throicing them 
down on table). There ! 

Mild. You'll excuse my counting them too. (counts letters) Thirteen 
exactly ! And now, might I trespass on you to put them into an en- 
velope, and seal them with your own seal 1 

Hawks. Are they not safe enough as it is ? 

Mild Now oblige me. (Hawksley puts letters into an envelope, and 
is about to light taper) Oh, allow me— your hand shakes, (takes matches 
from him, and lights taper) I wish Mrs. Sternhold to be certain that 
these letters have passed through no other hands than yours. (Hawks- 
ley seals the packet, and hands it to Mildmay) And there is the forged 
bill ! (giving bill to Hawksley.) 

Hawks, {examines the bill, then burns it by taper, and throws it to 
the ground, stamping on it. Aside) Gone ! He knows nothing of the 
other. 

Mild (taking his hat from the table l.). And now, Captain Bur- 
gess — I mean Hawksley — I have the honor to wish you a very good 
morning. 

Hawks, [crossing to him). Stop! A word before you go. Since we 
had first the pleasure of meeting I've been a soldier, and have served 
iu countries where blood wipes out disgrace. What are your weapons ? 



ACT HI.] STILL WATEES RUN DEEP. 29 

Mild. I thought it might come to that; but you needn't trouble 
yourself to call me out, because I shan't come. 

Hawks. And do you flatter yourself I can't force you ? I know duel- 
ling is out of fashion in this infernal cold-blooded country; but even 
here there are insults a man can't put up with, and hold his head up 
before the world — take care I don't put such an insult upon you. {draw- 
ing near and lifting up his hand ) 

Mild. Don t try that on again. I may be less patient the second 
time. I might send you into the street without the trouble of going 
down stairs. There's two stories' fall, not to speak of the area spikes ; 
you might hurt yourself. 

Hawks. Very well. We are by ourselves — there would be no use in 
insulting you here; but take care — the first time we meet in company 1 
will lash you across the face with my horsewhip. We shall see then if 
you will refuse me satisfaction. 

Mild. We shall. If you were only a duellist, I doubt if I should 
think myself bound to risk my life against yours. But 1 presume even 
the laws which you recognize absolve me from the obligation of going 
out with a swindler and a forger. 

Hawks, {grinding his teeth). Do you wish to provoke me to murder 
you 1 

Mild. Oh, I'm not the least afraid of that. For a man who can snuff 
a candle at twenty paces, to call out another who never fired a pistol in 
his life, is no great piece of heroism; but to commit a murder requires 
some pluck. You've defied transportation, but I don't think you're the 
man to risk the gallows. Good-morning, {he turns to go l. d. 2 e. 
Hawksley seems to meditate a rush, but checks himself, arid standi 
biting' his lips, and trembling all over. ) 

Tableau — Curtain. 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — Scene and Furniture same as Act I. Keys in doors, r. and 
l. 1 e. Mrs. Stern hold seated in easy chair by fire r.; Mrs. 
Mildmay sitting on sofa, writing at table l. ; Potter standing l. 
c, looking over her. 

Pot, (l. a). If you don't make haste, Emmy, we shan't be able to get 
the letters delivered, putting off our dinner to-day, in consequence of 
the sudden indisposition of Mrs. Sternhold. 

Mrs. M. This is the last, papa. It's just five — Jessop will have time 
enough to deliver them all before six. . 

Pot. {crossing to Mrs. Stern hold). How do you feel now, my dear 
•Jane"? (Mrs. Sternhold turns from him impatiently) I'm really very 
sorry that L endorsed those shares to Mildmay, as it annoys you, but 
he said he had settled it with you. 

Mrs. S. Dear, dear brother — will you spare me any further allusion 
to the subject. My head aches dreadfully. 

Pot. Poor dear ! Pull the curtains to, Emmy. 

Mrs. S. No, no — leave them, pray ! And leave me, do ! 

Pot. I can't think what Mildmay can have meant, by telling me he'd 
settled it all with you. Eh ! here he comes, to give us an explanation. 



30 STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. [ACT in. 

Enter Mildmay, l. d. 1 e. 

Oh ! here you are ! Well, you're a cool hr.nd. 
Mild. Eli ? 

Pot. Didn't you tell me, before going into town this morning, when 
2 ou asked me to endorse those shares to you, that you had settled it all 
with Mrs. Sternhoid ? And now, it seems, she knew nothing about it. 
My dear Jane, I wish him to explain himself before you. Mildmay, I 
insist upon a categorical answer. Did you or did you not tell me it 
was settled between you and Mrs. Sternhoid'? 
Mild. (l. a). I told you so. 

Mrs. S. (r.). Mr. Mildmay, do you mean to say I expressed any wish 
of the kind ? (rises and comes down, r. c.) 

Mild. You never said a word to me on the subject. 
Pot. (r., aside). What does he meau by contradicting himself in this 
extraordinary way ? He must have been lunching with Hawksley. 
He's had too much wine ! 

Mrs." S. (r. c). Mr. Mildmay, I insist on your explaining the mean- 
ing of your conduct ! * 

Mild. With pleasure ! 1 couldn't dispose of the shares till they came 
into my hands, and it occurred to me that the best way of getting them 
into my hands from Mr. Potter's, was to use your name. 

Pot. (r.). But do you mean to say you have disposed of the shares I 
have endorsed to you ? 

Mild. I certainly have taken that liberty. 

Pot. (aside).' Oh ! he must have been lunching ! There's a coolness 
about him that's perfectly unnatural ! 

Mrs. S. I hate mystification ! Will you oblige me, Mr. Mildmay, by 
stating, simply and distinctly, what you really have done with "those 
shares ? 

Mild. Certainly. I was much struck, last night, with the justice of 
Mr. Potter's observations on the danger of such speculations as Captain 
Hawksley's — so, instead of taking any new shares, I've let the captain 
have the old ones back again. 

Mrs. S. And do you mean to say he has taken them ? 
Mild. Certainly — at par. Here's the money. 

Pot. (crosses to c). Do you mean to say he made no difficulty about 
it? 

Mild. Yes — he did a little — but we got over that. There is the 
thousand pounds, (gives notes to Potter.) 

Pot. My dear John, I've done you injustice. "Would you believe it? 
I thought you were tipsy — that Hawksley had been making you drink, 
in order to humbug you into buying — and now, it seems, you've hum- 
bugged him into buying. Who'd have thought you had it in you ? 
Would you have thought he bad it in him, Jane? 

Mrs. S. (crossing to Mrs. Mildmay). Have vou finished those letters, 
Emily? 

Mrs. M. I've only to direct them, aunt. 

Mrs. S. I'll direct them, if you'll tell Jessop to gpt ready to take 
them at once. [Mrs. Mildmay rises, and exits l. d. 1 e. 

Pot. And I'll just lock up those notes in my escritoire! 
[Exit Potter, l. d. 1 e. Mrs. Sternhold sits on sofa, and addresses 
a letter or two. 

Mild. (a). Why, you're sending out a circular? 

Mrs. S. It is to put off the people we had invited to dine to-day. I'm 
too ill to receive them. Did I understand you to say you had seen 
Captain Hawksley this morning ? 



ACT III.] STILL WATERS EUN DEEP. 31 

Mild. Yes. I left him not long ago. 

Mrs. S. And when you offered him the shares he took them without 
making any objections ? 

Mild. I overruled his objections. 

Mrs. S. Can you inform me by what means ? 

Mild. 01), what matter about the means, when the end's attained. 

Mrs. S. Did nothing pass between you oa any other subject than 
these shares 1 

Mild. Oh — yes — we did touch upon other matters. 

Mrs. S. (uneasily). But nothing of any particular interest — nothing 
in which any of us were concerned'? (Mildmay takes out the packet of 
letters and puts it on the table before her. Mrs. Sternhold snatches 
up the packet, and recognizes Hawksley's seal.) 

Mrs. S. His seal ! (she tears open the packet, and recognizes her let- 
ters. Rises, and comes to l. c.) You have saved my good name! I 
owe you more than I can ever repay — more than life itself! 

Mild, (quietly). Hadn't you better lock up those letters before any- 
body sees them 1 

Mrs. S Stay ! (is about to count letters.) 

Mild. You may save yourself the trouble — they're all there. 

Mrs. S. All 1 

Mild. Thirteen. 

Mrs. S. Then you have counted them % 

Mild. Yes ; but I've no notion what they're about. He sealed them 
up, as you see. 

Mrs. S. John Mildmay, you have acted like a gentleman. Forgive 
me for my conduct to you — I cannot forgive myself. To think that I 
should have doubted you, at the very moment you were about to do 
me a service which a life of gratitude cannot pay for. 

Mild. I shall be satisfied with a good deal less than that. I see 
you're better already. Ohlige me by not putting off your dinner to- 
day. (Mrs. Sternhold goes to table l., and begins to tear up the letters 
icritten by Mrs. Mildmay, and throics scraps into a waste-paper 
basket.) 

He-enter Potter, l. d. 1 e. 

Pot. Jessop's ready to start. Why, if she isn't tearing up the let- 
ters ! My dear Jane, what are you about ? I'm sure Emmy had writ- 
ten them very neatly. 

Mrs. S. (a). I've changed my mind, brother. The dinner is .not to be 
put off. 

Pot. (l). Well, but my dear Jane — consider your headache — and 
allow me to observe 

Mrs. S. My dear brother, allow me to observe that I'm the best 
judge of my own state of health — and go and tell Jessop he will not be 
wanted to carry the letters. 

Pot. (going l.). Very well, my dear! (aside) Now that's sheer 
strength of mind ! What a woman she is. 'Gad, she rises from her pros- 
tration like a — what's its name, — the bird over the fire offices — a phoe- 
nix. [Exit Potter, l. d. 1 e. 

Mrs. S. (crosses to r. c. and sits). And now that we are alone, ten 
me what has passed between you and this man 1 By what magic have 
you tamed his insolent and pitiless nature 7 

Mild. (l. c.) \N by dwell on details which could only give you pain ? 
From to-day, let all that has passed, relative to this affair, be forgotten 
between us. As you said this morning, I have but paid a debt of duty 



32 STILL WATEES RUN DEEP. [ACT HE. 

to our relationship. You have got rid of a disreputable acquaintance ; 
take my advice, and don't renew it. (sits.) 

Mrs. S. Renew it! Never! He was included in our dinner party- 
to-day — but after what must have passed between you, I suppose there's 
no danger of our seeing him. 

Mild. I've no doubt he'll come. 

Mrs. S. He dare not. 

Mild. 01), yes, he dare ! Assurance is his strong point. But don't 
be afraid — I shall be here. Receive him as usual, and leave the rest to 
me. 

Mrs. S.. (with surprise). John Mildmay ! there's something in your 
manner to-day I've never seen before — a coolness, a self-possession, an 
energy I never should have expected from — from— — 

Mild. From such a spoon — that's what you mean, isn't it ? 

Mrs. S. No — that's not the word. 

Mild. It's about the idea, though. But you're wrong; I'm the same 
man to-day as I was yesterday. 

Mrs. S. John Mildmay, you're a perfect puzzle. 

Mild. Have you any curiosity about the key 1 

Mrs. S. Curiosity ! I am a woman. 

Mild. I'm a man — and not an automaton, as you've always considered 
me — that's all ! Listen to me. We must have an explanation — and 
this is the time for it. I'm neither a hero nor a conjuror, but I'm a 
straight-forward man, and I'm not deficient in common sense. When I 
married your niece, I looked forward to a -quiet life, with a woman I 
loved in my own undemonstrative way, and who I thought would have 
loved me — and so she would have done, but for you. 

Mrs. S. But for me ! 

Mild. Yes ! She has been brought up to think you infallible. Had 
you treated me with respect and consideration, she would have done so 
too. You thought proper to ridicule and despise me, and she followed 
your lead. I saw this, even during our honeymoon. For ten months 
I've tried what patience, indulgence, and submission would do — that 
plan has been a failure. From this hour I change my tactics. You are 
my wife's nearest female relative, and you shall never find me wanting 
in duty or respect, but, from this day forth, remember, there's only one 
master in this house, and his name is John Mildmay. (rises) Now, go 
and dress for dinner, (she attempts to speak) Go and dress for dinner. 
(politely handing Mrs. Sternhold towards r. d. 1 e.) 

[Exit Mrs. Sternhold, r. d. 
And now for Emily. Poor girl ! Last night's lesson was a hard one, 
but she brought it on herself. It will do no harm. 

Enter Mrs. Mildmay, l. d. 1 e. 

Sit down, Emily. (Mrs. Mildmay sits l. c.) How well you look. 

Mrs. M. A compliment from you ! I thought you had forgotten how 
to pay one. 

Mild. Did you, Emily ? You remember what day this it 1 

Mrs. M. Yes. (with a sigh) The anniversary of our marriage. 

Mild. Does it come round as such a day should, Emily '? Do you 
remember the vows we both took this day twelvemonth ? — " To love, to 
honor, and obey." 

Mrs. M. {surprised). What do you mean, John ? 

Mild. They did well, the compilers of that solemn service, to put 
love first — for it carries with it both the others. Have you kept that 
vow, Emily 1 



ACT HI.] STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. 33 

Mrs. M. {agitated). I do not understand you ! 

Mild. Emily, I returned to this house last night, half-an-hour before 
you saw me. 1 overheard all that passed between your aunt and Cap- 
tain Hawksley. 1 knew the motive of his intrusion into this house at 
that hour. 

Mrs. M*. (starting up). Spare me! Forgive me! I was foolish ! I 
listened to him — but I never thought he could have dared. Indeed, 
John, I never did. And I wished to tell you all before you went — to 
implore you to stay and watch over me — to guard me from the conse- 
quences of — my folly ! (sinking her head on his shoulder.) 

Mild, (gravely). Compose yourself, Emity ! 1 have too much fair- 
ness to confound folly with guilt. Why, my poor child. I knew that 
fellow's game. I saw how his romantic airs, his honeyed words, and 
showy graces had fascinated you — how, in comparison with him, you 
thought me cold, awkward, uninteresting, unimpassioned. You are 
not the first of your sex, Emmy, who has preferred the shadow to the 
substance. Thank Heaven you have not been awakened from your 
dream by the suffering that follows upon sin ! Don't speak, my love, 
but listen. Your father's doting fondness, and your aunt's mischievous 
example have made you what you are. Trust to me, henceforth, to 
make you what a wife should be. I should prefer to win you by a 
lover's tenderness; but, if I cannot do that, I know how to make a 
husband's rights respected. 

Mrs. M. Oh, thank you, dearest, thank you — tell me of my faults — 
I will try to correct them. I will honor and obey you, as a wife 
should. 

Mild. I've been to blame, too. I have been rough, and cold, and 
careless 

Mrs. M. No — no; you are the kindest and most generous of men. 
But my father — my aunt — they have been as much mistaken in you as 
I was. Speak to her, as you have spoken to me. 

Mild, (with a smile). I don't love her as I love you. But, make 
yourself easy — I have spoken to her, and in a way I don't think she 
will soon forget. And now go, darling, and dry your eyes — and come 
down to your guests, smiling as a wife should smile when she meets her 
husband's loving looks, (kisses her.) 

Mrs. M. Oh, bless you — bless you for such words ! How have I 
misjudged you ! 

Mild, (suppressing his emotion). Go — go — dear. Kemember, I've 
my ey#5 to dry, too. [Exit Mrs. Mildmay, l. d. 3 e. 

Thank Heaven, that's over ! I've played a desperate game, but I ve 
won it, and the stake was worthy of the risk. [Exit, door l. u. e. 

Enter Potter, dressed for dinner, l. d. 1 e. 

Pot. Six o'clock, and Mildmay not dressed yet. Egad ! (rubbing his 
hands) He'll be unpunctual for once. Well, I'm glad Jane's better, for 
we shall be a pleasant party, I flatter myself. There's Dunbilk, an un- 
commonly pleasant fellow, and — (bell heard) Oh ! I dare say that's 
Joe Langford. Joe's always sharp — military time, as he calls it — and a 
military appetite. 

Enter Jessop, announcing,, l. d. 1 e. 

Jessop. Mr. Langford! 

Enter Langford, l. d. 1 e., crosses to r. Exit Jessop. 



34 STILL WATERS EUN DEEP. [ACT III. 

Pot. (r. a). Ah, Langford, my dear fellow, delighted to see you. 
Mrs. Sternhold will be down directly. Well, {rubbing his hands) any 
news to-day 1 

Lang. (r., by fireplace). Nothing particular. Uncommonly seasona- 
ble weather. 

Pot. Uncommonly seasonable weather — uncommonly seasonable — 
uncommonly — (bell heard) I shouldn't wonder if that's Markham. 

Enter Jessop ; announcing, l. d. 1 e. 

Jessop. Mr. Markham. 

Enter Markham, l. d. 1 e., crosses to fireplace, r. Exit Jessop. 

' Pot. Ah ! it is Markham! How are you all at home 1 — that's right! 
You know Langford, I think. (Langford and Markham bow) Well, 
anything new 1 

Markham. No — nothing stirring but stagnation. Infernally disagree- 
able weather 

Pot. Infernally disagreeable — infernally — very disagreeable weather ! 
(aside) I wish Jane would come. She has such a flow of conversation. 

Enter Mrs. Sternhold, r. d. 1 e., and Mrs. Mildmay, l. d. 3 e. 

Ah ! here she is ! Mr. Langford— my dear — Mr. Markham. (the Gemtle- 
men bow to the Ladies, and enter into conversation near fireplace, r.) 

Enter Jessop, announcing. 

Jessop. Mr. Dunbilk. 

Enter Dunbilk. l. d. 1 e. Exit Jessop, l. d. 1 e. 

Dun. (l. a). Mrs. Sternhold! Mrs. Mildmay! How are you, Pot- 
ter ? I was afraid I'd be afther me time — waiting for Hawksley. He 
promised to dhrive me here in his cab, and I waited till I was too late, 
and powdhered down in a hansom, ten mile an hour. You expect 
Hawksley, don't you 1 

Pot. (a). Eh 1 Oh, yes, we rely on the Captain. My women-folk, 
here, would never forgive me if we gave a dinner without asl^ng the 
Captain. I assure you they pull for him — aunt and niece. Don't you, 
Emmy 1 I think I'm right in saying the Captain's a bit of a favorite, eh, 
Jane I 

Mrs. S. (evading the question). We certainly did expect Captain 
Hawksley, but he's not always to be relied on. 

Dun. Ye may say that, ma'am — run after as he is by the aristocracy, 
(aside) not to spake of the sheriff's officers. 

Enter Mildmay, r. d. 1 e. 

Mild. (r. a). I beg your pardon — I fear I have kept you waiting. 

Pot. (l. c ). Oh, Captain Hawksley hasn't come yet. 

Dun. Sure I wouldn't wait for him, if I was you. He'd be sorry, if 
he does come, to think he spoiled the fish. 

Mild. No — we'll give him a quarter of an hour. 

Mrs. M. (aside to Mrs. Sternhold, down r.). Surely he will not 
dare to show himself here, after last night ! 



ACT in] STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. 35 

Mrs. S. {aside to Mrs. Mildmay, doicn r). You have seen what he 
dares do already ! 

Pot. I hope he won't disappoint us. I never felt so anxious to see 
him. 

Mrs. S {aside). I am*ick with apprehension. 

Mrs. M. {aside). Oh, what will happen if he and John meet 1 

Enter Jessop, l, d. 1 e., with a card on salver. 

Jessop {crosses to Mildmay). A gentleman wishes to see. you, sir. 

Mild, {coming down r. c). A friend of mine come to town unex- 
pectedly. May I ask him to join us 1 

Mas. S. (r.). In your own house! My dear John, you surely need 
not ask that question. 

Pot. (l. a). Jane ! 

Mas. M. Show him in directly. [Exit Jessop, l. d. 1 e. 

I'm sure we must be all glad to see any friend of yours, my love. 

Pot. Emily ! {aside) What's come to the women 1 {goes up.) 

Enter Jessop, showing in Gimlet, l. d. 1 e. Exit Jessop. 

Mild, {crossing to l. a). This is my friend 

Gim. Maxwell 

Mild Mr. Maxwell, from the North. 

Gim. (l ). Ladies, delighted to make your acquaintance — gents all. 

Mild, {aside to him). Silence ! wait till I tell you. 

Gim. All right ! (Mildmay and Gimlet go up c.) 

Enter Jessop, l. d. 1 e., announcing. 

Jessop. Captain Hawksley ! [Exit Jessop. 

Enter Captain Hawksley, fashionably dressed, l. d. 1 e. 

Hawks, {crossing to a). Ah ! Mrs. Sternhold, I hope you are better. 
No trace of yesterday's headache? Mrs. Mildmay, I hope you caught 
no cold sitting up last night over your novel. Ah, you really should be 
more careful of yourself. My dear Potter, thank you particularly for 
letting me have those shares this morning. How do, Dunbilk 1 How 
do, Markham ? Good day, Mr. Langford. {turning to Mildmay, who is 
up c.) Mr. John Mildmay ! {a dead silence) A word, with you, sir. 
(Mrs. Sternhold crosses to l. c. Mildmay comes down r. c.) I told 
you what you must expect if ever we met in company. As you seem 
to have forgotten it, I must remind you. {he raises his arm to strike 
Mildmay with horsewhip, which he draws from his pocket. Mfts. 
Sternhold scays his arm.) 

Mild. Stop ! My dear Mrs. Sternhold, don't be alarmed— this is no 
scene for ladies. Oblige me by walking into the next room for a few 
minutes, (the Gentlemen all gather round Hawksley, c.) 

Mrs. S. For mercv's sake ) f*„„*n.^.\ 

Mr.. M. John! husband! ] (together.) 

Mild. I must insist on your going. (Mildmay puts them off, r. d. 1 e., 
and locks door, then crosses to and locks l. d. 1 e.) 

Pot. (l. a). Captain Hawksley, what is the meaning of this behavior!? 

Hawks, (a). It means that your son-in-law, after grossly insulting 
me this morning, refused me the satisfaction of a gentleman. I told 



36 STILL WATEKS RUN DEEP. [ACT HI. 

him I would force it from him by the public outrage I have just inflict- 
ed. Dunbilk, you'll act as my friend ! 

Dun. Delighted, me boy ! *) 

Pot. If this goes on I'll send for the police! I ,. ., . 

Makk. Gentlemen * Htogetlier.) 

Lang. Really Captain Hawksley J 

Mild, {authoritatively, l.). Not a word more — this is my affair! Mr. 
Potter, you have pistols in the house ! {crosses to r) 

Pot. [L.). Yes ; but I won't allow anybody to use them — they're out 
of condition — they're dangerous — they'll burst. 

Mild, (r ). No matter; I have taken the liberty to bring them 
down. Here they are. (opens box) I'm no fire-eater, but I won't baulk 
Captain Hawksley of the satisfaction he desires. Markham, you will 
act for me. Mr. Dunbilk, you represent my antagonist, I think] 

Pot. Here ! police ! Jessop ! {all murmur ) 

Mild. Be quiet, I insist — all of you. My mind is made up. Nothing 
can change it. 

Hawks, {aside). He has more pluck than I gave him credit for. I 
will kill him though. 

Mild. Gentlemen, I hold you all to witness what passed. I am the 
insulted. I have the choice of time, place, and weapons. I make that 
choice. Here — now — these pistols. 

Hawks, (a). I'm ready — load away, gentlemen. (Dunbilk begins to 
load pistol, r.) 

Mild, {crossing to r. a). You have often boasted you can hit the 
pip of an ace at twenty paces. I never fired a pistol at anything more 
formidable than a sparrow. I am willing to risk my life against yours 
on equal terms, but if we stand up opposite to each other at twelve 
paces, each with a loaded pistol— your skill against no skill — what be- 
comes of the equality of risk 7 {crosses back to r.) Your friend has 
loaded one of these pistols — let us leave the other unloaded — put both 
under the cloth — each draw one, and fire together across the table! 
now, close your eyes, and choose— you hesitate. 

Hawks. Such a way of fighting was never known but in a novel. I 
decline this unheard-of mode of proceeding. 

Mild. I expected as much. I only wished to show these gentlemen 
that under cover of the forms of a duel you contemplated assassina- 
tion, {goes to door r. and unlocks it) The storm is passed, ladies. 

Me-enter Mrs. Sternhold and Mrs. Mildmay, r. d. 1 e. 

Hawks, (l. c, to Mildmay). This bravado shall not serve your turn, 
sir ; we have not done with each other yet. 

Mild. (r. a). You are right — we have not. Captain Hawksley has 
insulted me — I have challenged him — he has refused. Had he chal- 
lenged me, / might have refused ; for no man, even by the code of so- 
ciety, is bound to go out with a felon. 

All. A felon! 

Pot. A felon in this house ! Where 1 Police ! Police ! 

Gim. {coming down l. a). Here you are, guv'nor ! {handcuffs Hawks- 
ley) Sorry for it, Mr. Boscawen ; but I've been wanting you this long 
time. 

Pot. (l ). Boscawen ! This is Captain Hawksley ! {goes up l.^) 

Gim. Alias Burgess — alias Boscawen. It's on a charge of forgery 
committed four years ago — evidence only completed last week. It's a 
lifer, as sure as my name's Gimlet. 

Hawks, {aside to Gimlet). You're done my boy ! The bill's destroyed ! 



ACT IIT.] STTLIi WATERS RUN DEEP. 37 

Gim. A bill ; but not the bill. This is the other. 

Hawks. Done! Done by that wolf in sheep's clothing, {stands for a 
moment overpowered, then rouses himself) Some ridiculous blunder — 
ii will be set right this evening. 

Gim. That's right, keep your courage up. (Mildmay gives key of door 
l. to Gimlet — he opens it.) 

Hawks. Mrs. Sternhold, I am sorry I shall not have the pleasure of 
diuiug with you ; Mrs. Mildmay, no chance of another tete-a-tete, I 
fear; Potter, my boy, you were just in time with those shares; give 
my compliments to the Board, Dunbilk ; Mildmay — {grinding his teeth) 
if ever I comeback, I shall make a point of repaying all J owe you; and 
till then, I shall let the debt accumulate at compound interest. 

[Exeunt Captain Hawkslvy and Gimlet, l. n. 1 e. 

Pot. (r. c). I'm bewildered ! What does this mean ] 

Mild. (l. a). It means, my dear Mr. Potter, that straightforward 
honesty is generally a match for plausible roguery in the long run. 

Pot. (ii. c). Jane, can you explain this ? You're the only person 
that ever can explain things in this house. 

Mrs S. (it.). You are wrong, brother- — wrong as we have all been. 
Henceforth, for explanation, for advice, for guidance, look there, {point- 
ing tO Mlf.BMAY.) 

Pot. Why, that's poor John Mildmay. 

Mug. S. Your daughter's husband, {putting Mrs. Mildmay across 
to Mildmay) The master of this house ! 

Pot. (r. a). John Mildmay the master of this house? Emily, my 
deai-, has your aunt been — I mean has your aunt lost her wits ] 

Mrs. M. (c). No, she has found them, papa, as I have done, thanks 
to dear John. Ask his pardon, papa, as we have, for the cruel injustice 
we have done him. {gets up a little-) 

Pot Oh, certainly, if you desire it. John Mildmay, I ask your par- 
don — Jane and Emily say I ought ; though what I've done, or what 
there is to ask pardon for 

Mild. Perhaps you'll learn in time. But we're forgetting dinner — 
Langfonl, will you take my wife'? {he does so) Markham, you'll take 
M s. Sternhold* ? 

Pot. My dear boy, you astonish me ! But. however, there's an old 
proverb that says — 

" All is not gold that glitters." 

Mild. Yes, and there is another old proverb, and one much more to 
the purpose, that says, " Still Waters Run Deep." 

Disposition of Characters. 

Dunbilk, 

Potter. Mildmay. 

Mrs. Sternhold. Mrs. Mildmay. 

Mark*ham. Langford. 

CURTAIN. 



DE WITT'S 

ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMA. 



" Let those laugh now who never laughed before, 
And those who always laughed now laugh the more." 

Nothing so thorough and complete in the way of Ethiopian and Comic Dramas 
has ever been printed as those that appear in the following list. Not only are the 
plots excellent, the characters droll, the incidents funny, the language humorous, 
but all the situations, by-play, positions, pantomimic business, scenery, and tricks 
are so plainly set down and clearly explained, that the merest novice could put 
any of them on the stage. Included in this catalogue are all the most laughable 
and effective pieces of their class ever produced. 

#*# In ordering, please copy the figures at the commencement of each play, 
which indicate the number of the piece in " De Witt's Ethiopian and Comic 
Drama." 

|W Any of the following plays sent, postage free, on receipt of price— 
15 Cents Each. Address, 

CLINTON T. DE WITT, 

No. 33 Rose Street, New York. 



$W The figures in the columns indicate the number of characters— M. male, 
F. female. 

. » + « , 



NO. M.. F. 

73. African Box, burlesque, 2 scene 5 

107. Africanus Bluebeard, musical 

Ethiopian burlesque 6 2 

43. Baby Elephant, sketch, 2 scene 7 1 
79. Barney's Courtship, musical 

interlude, 1 act 1 1 

42. Bad Whiskey, sketch. 1 scene. 2 1 
6. Black Chap from Whitechapel, 

negro piece 4 

10. Black Chemist, sketch, 1 scene 3 

11. Black-ey'd William, sketch, 2 

scenes 4 1 

40. Big Mistake, sketch, 1 scene.. 4 
78. Bogus Indian, sketch, 4 scenes 5 2 
89. Bogus Talking Machines (The) 

farce, 1 scene 4 

24. Bruised and Cured, sketch, 1 

scene j 2 

108. Charge of the Hash Brigade, 

Iristi musical sketch 2 2 

35. Coal Heaver's Revenge, negro 

sketch, 1 scene 6 

41. Cremation, sketch, 2 scenes... 8 1 

12. Daguerreotypes, sketch, 1 scene 3 
53. Damon and Pythias, burlesque, 

2 scenes 5 1 

63. Darkey's Stratagem, 1 act 3 1 

110. De Black Magician, Ethiopian 

comicality, i scene 4 2 

111. Deeds of Darkness, Ethiopian 

extravaganza. 1 act 6 1 

50. Draft (The), sketch, 1 act 6 

64- Dutchman's Ghost, 1 scene... 4 1 



No. M . 

95. Dutch Justice, sketch, 1 scene 11 

67. Editor's Troubles, farce, 1 see. 6 
4. Eh ? What is It ? sketch 4 

98. Elopement (The), farce, 1 scene 4 
52. Excise Trials, sketch, 1 scene. 10 
25. FeLow that Looxs Like Me, in- 
terlude, 1 scene — .... 2 

51. Fisherman's Luck, 1 scene 2 

88. First Night (The), Dutch farce, 

1 act 

106. Gambrinus, King of Lager 
Beer, Ethiopian burlesque, 2 

scenes 8 

83. German Emigrant (The), sketch 

1 scene 2 

77. Getting Square on the Call Boy, 

sketcli, 1 scene 3 

17. Ghost (The), sketch, 1 act 2 

58. Ghost in a Pawnshop, 1 scene. 4 

31. Glycerine Oil, sketch 3 

20. Going for the Cup, interlude.. 4 
82. Good Night's Rest, 1 scene. .. 3 
86. Gripsack, sketch, 1 scene 3 

70. Guide to the Stage, sketch*... 3 

61. Happy Couple, 1 scene. 2 

23. Hard Times, extravaganza, 1 

scene ... 5 

3. Hemmed In, sketch 3 

48. High Jack, the Heeler, 1 scene 6 

68. Hippotheatron. sketch 9 

71. In and Out, sketch, 1 scene... 2 

33. Jealous Husband, sketch 2 

94. Julius, the Snoozer, 3 scenes.. 7 






1 
1 
1 

2 1 
2 

4 2 



DE WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMA (Continued). 



No. M. F. 

103. Katrina's Little Game, Dutch 

act, 1 scene. 1 2 

1. Last of the Mohicans, sketch.. 3 1 

36. Laughing Gas, sketch, 1 scene. 6 1 

18. Live Injun, sketch, 4 scenes. .. 4 1 
GO. Lost Will, sketch 4 

•37. Lucky Job. farce, 2 scenes 3 2 

90. Lunatic (The), farce, 1 scene.. 3 
109. Making a Hit, farce, 2 scenes.. 4 

19. Malicious Trespass, 1 scene.... 3 
96. Midnight Intruder (The), farce, 

1 scene 6 1 

101. Mollie Mori arty, Irish music- 
al sketch, 1 scene 1 1 

8. Mutton Trial, sketch. 2 scenes 4 

44. Musical Servant, sketch, 1 see. 3 
49. Night in a Strange Hotel, 

sketch, 1 scene 2 

22. Obeying Orders, sketch 1 scene 2 1 
S57. One Hundredth Night of Ham- 

let, sketch 7 1 

30. Omj Night in a Barroom, 

sketch „ 7 

76. One, Two, Three, 1 scene 7 

87. Pete and the Peddler, Negro 

and Irish sketch, 1 scene 2 1 

9. Policy Players, sketch, 1 scene 7 
57. Pompey's Patients, interlude, 

2 scenes 6 

65. Porter's Troubles, 1 scene 6 1 

06. Port Wine vs. Jealousy, sketch 2 1 

91. Painter's Apprentice (The), 

farce, 1 scene — 5 G 

92. Polar Bear (The), 1 scene 4 1 

14. Recruiting Office, sketch, 1 act. 5 

45. Remittance from Home, 

sketch. 1 scene 6 

105. Rehearsal (The), Irish farce, 2 

scenes 4 2 

55. Rigging a Purchase, sketch, 1 

scene 3 

81. Rival Artists, sketch, 1 scene. 3 

26 Rival Tenants, sketch 4 

15. Sam's Courtship, farce, 1 act.. 2 1 

59. Sausage Makers, 2 scenes 5 1 

80. Scenes on the Mississippi, 

2 scenes 6 

21. Scampini, pantomime, 2 scenes 6 3 

84. Serenade(The), sketch, 2 scenes 7 

38. Siamese Twins, 2 scenes 5 

74. Sleep Walker, sketch, 2 scenes 3 

46. Slippery Day, sketch, 1 scene. 6 1 
69. Squire for a Day, sketch 5 1 

56. Stage-struck Couple, 1 scene.. 2 1 
72. Stranger, burlesque, 1 scene... 1 2 

and' 2 children. 

7. Stupid Servant, sketch, 1 scene 2 

13. Streets of New York, 1 scene . 6 

16. Storming the Fort, 1 scene 5 

47. Take itJDon't Take It, 1 scene 2 
54. Them Papers, sketch, 1 scene. 3 

100. Three Chiefs (The). 2 scenes ..6 

102. Three A. M., sketch, 2 scenes. 3 1 
34. Three Strings to One Bow, 

sketch, 1 scene 4 1 

2. Tricks, sketch 5 2 

104. Two Awf uls (The), 1 scene.... 5 

5. Two Black Roses, sketch 4 1 

28. Uncle Eph's Dream, 2 scenes . 3 1 

62. Vinegar Bitters, sketch, 1 scene 6 1 

'62. Wake Up, William Henry 3 Q 



No. 
39. 
75. 

93. 
29. 

97. 

m. 

85. 



Wanted, a Nurse, 1 scene 4 

Weston the Walkist, Dutch 

sketch, 1 scene 7 1 

What Shall I Take ? farce, 1 act 8 1 

Who Died First ? 1 scene 3 1 

Who's the Actor 'i farce, 1 

scene 4 

Wrong Woman iu the Right 

Place, sketch, 2 scenes 2 2 

Young Scamp, sketch, 1 scene. 3 



MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 



INSTRUCTION BOOKS 

Stage Preparations and Accesso- 
ries, etc., etc. 



We are prepared to furnish any of the following and similar articles, promptly 
and at the very lowest prices : 

Wigs, Mustaches, and Imperials 

of every style, shape and color, for Caucasian, Mongolian or Ethiopian " make up. 

Face Preparations, 

such as Prepared Cork for Negro Minstrels, Mongolian Paste for Mulattoes, Indi- 
ans, etc. ; Prepared Whiting for clowns, Statues, etc.; Pencils to trace eyebrows 
and veins ; India Ink, and a bright but harmless Lip Rouge. 

Tableau Lights, Colored Fires, 

and all the various articles needed to throw the effects of sunlight, moonlight, 
and firelight upon faces, groups or scenery. These are all prepared in such a man- 
ner as to be entirely harmless. 

Musical Instruments 

of every variety, from the plainest to the most highly ornamented, such as Violins, 
Violoncellos, Piccolos, Flageolets, Fifes, Tamborincs, Bones, Jews' Harps, and 
Mouth Harmonicons. 

Dancing Clogs, Stockings and Caps, 

of all shapes, sizes, colors and materials manufactured, and ranging from the very 
lowest prices upwards. 

. Musical Instruction Books. 

Manuals for the Guitar, the Banjo, the Violins, the Accordeon, the Violoncello, 
the Clarionet, Cornopeon, Fife and Drum. 



„,*# For full particulars, list of prices, and descriptions in full of the various 
articles above enumerated, send for De "Witt's Mammoth Catalogue, which 
will be forwarded free and postage paid to any address in the United States or 
Canada. Address, 

CLINTON T. DE-WITT, 

S3 Rose Street, New York. 



DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS (Continued). 



No. 
144. 

34. 
137. 
111. 
119. 
165. 

48. 

32. 
164. 
109. 

85. 

87. 
143. 
189. 
163. 
154. 

63. 

39. 
7. 

49. 

15. 

46. 

51. 
184. 
108. 
188. 
169. 
130. 

92. 
193. 

140. 

115. 
2. 

57. 
104. 
112. 
185. 

84. 
117. 

171. 
14. 

173. 

176. 
90. 
170. 



97. 



172. 

94. 

45. 
155. 

178. 

147. 
156. 

82. 
127. 

23. 



Lancashire Lass, melodrama, 5 acts. 12 3 

Larkins' Love Letters, farce, 1 act.. 3 2 

L'Article 47, drama, 3 acts 11 5 

Liar (The), comedy, 2 acts 7 2 

Life Chase, drama, 5 acts 14 5 

Living Statue (The), farce, 1 act 3 2 

Little Annie's Birthday, farce, 1 act. 2 4 

Little Rebel, farce, 1 act 4 3 

Little Ruby, drama, 3 acts 6 6 

Locked In, comedietta, 1 act 2 2 

Locked In with a Lady, sketch, 1 act. 1 1 

Locked Out, comic scene 1 2 

Lodgers ana Dodgers, farce, 1 act. . 4 2 

Leap Year, musical duality, 1 act. . . 1 1 

Marcoretti , drama, 3 acts 10 3 

Maria and Magdalena, play, 4 acts . 8 6 

Marriage at Any Price, farce, 1 act. 5 3 

Master Jones 1 Birthday, farce, 1 act. 4 2 

Maud's Peril, drama, 4 acts 5 3 

Midnight Watch, drama, 1 act . . 8 2 

Milky White, drama, 2 acts 4 2 

Miriam's Crime, drama, 3 acts 5 2 

Model of a Wife, farce, 1 act 3 2 

Money, comedy, 5 acts 17 3 

Mr. Scroggins, farce, 1 act 3 3 

Mr. X., farce, 1 act 3 3 

My Uncle's Suit, farce, 1 act 4 1 

My Wife's Diary, farce, 1 act 3 1 

My Wife's Out, farce, 1 act 2 2 

My Walking Photo c raph, musical 

duality, 1 act 1 1 

Never Reckon Your Chickens, etc., 

farce, 1 act 3 4 

New Men and Old Acres, comedy, 3 8 5 

Nobody's child, drama, 3 acts 8 3 

Noemie, drama, 2 acts 4 4 

No Name, drama, 5 acts 7 5 

Not a Bit Jealous, farce, 1 act 3 3 

Not So Bad as We Seem, play, 5 acts.14 3 

Not Guilty, drama, 4 acts 10 6 

Not Such a Fool as He Looks, drama, 

3 acts 5 4 

Nothing Like Paste, farce, 1 act 3 1 

No Thoroughfare, drama, 5 acts and 

prologue 13 6 

Oif the Stage, comedietta, 1 act 3 3 

On Bread and Water, farce, 1 act. . . 1 2 

Only a half penny, farce, 1 act 2 2 

Only Somebody, farce, 1 act. . . 4 2 

One too Many for Him, farce, 1 act. 2 3 

£100,000, comedy, 3 acts 8 4 

Orauge Bio -soms, comedietta, 1 act. 3 3 
Orange Girl, drama, in prologue 

and 3 acts 18 4 

Ours, comedy, 3 acts 6 3 

Our Clerks, farce, 1 act 7 5 

Our Domestics, comedy farce, 2 acts 6 6 

Our Heroes, military play. 5 acts. . .24 5 
Out at Sea, drama in prologue and 

4 acts 16 5 

Overland Route, comedy, 3 acts 11 5 

Peace at Any Price, farce, 1 act. ... 1 1 

Peep o' Day, drama, 4 acts 12 4 

Peggy Green, fane, 1 act 3 10 

Petticoat Parliament, extravaganza, 

in one act 15 24 

Photographic Fix, farce, 1 act 3 2 

A COMPLETE 



No. M. 

61. Plot and Passion, drama, 3 acts 7 

138. Poll and Partner Joe, burlesque, 1 
act 10 

110. Poppleton's Predicaments, farce, 1 3 

50. Porter's Knot, drama, 2 acts 8 

59. Post Bo3 r , drama, 2 acts 5 

95. Pretty Horse-Breaker, farce, 1 act. . 3 

181 and 182. Queen Mary, drama, 4 acts.38 

157. Quite at Home, comedietta, 1 act. . . 5 
196. Queerest Courtship (The), comic op 

eretta, 1 act 1 

132. Race for a Dinner, farce, 1 act 10 

183. Richelieu, play, 5 acts 16 

38. Rightful Heir, drama, 5 acts 10 

77. Roll of the Drum, drama, 3 acts 8 

13. Ruy Bias, drama, 4 acts 12 

194. Rum, drama, 3 acts 7 

195. Rosemi Shell, travesty, 1 act, 4 

scenes 6 

158. School, comedy, 4 acts 6 

79. Sheep in Wolf's Clothing, drama, 1 7 
37. Silent Protector, farce, 1 act ...... . 3 

35. Silent Woman, farce, 1 act 2 

43. Sisterly Service, comedietta, 1 act.. 7 
6. Six Months Ago, comedietta, 1 act. 2 

10. Snapping Turtles, duologue, 1 act.. 1 

26. Society, comedy, 3 acts 16 

78. Special Performances, farce, 1 act. . 7 
31. Taming a Tiger, farce, 1 act 3 

150. Tell-Tale Heart, comedietta, 1 act. . 1 2 
120. Tempest in a Teapot, comedy, 1 act. 2 1 
146. There's no Smoke Without Fire, 

comedietta, 1 act 1 2 

83. Thrice Married, personation piece, 

lact 6 1 

42. Time and the Hour, drama, 3 acts ..73 

27. Time and Tide, drama, 3 acts and 

prologue 7 5 

133. Timothy to the Rescue, farce, 1 act. 4 2 
153. 'Tis Better to Live than to Die, 

farce, 1 act 2 1 

134. Tompkins the Troubadour, farce, 13 2 
29. Turning the Tables, farce, 1 act .... 5 3 

168. Tweedie's Rights, comedy, 2 acts.. 4 2 

126. Twice Killed, farce, 1 act 6 3 

56. Two Gay Deceivers, farce, 1 act 3 

123. Two Polts, farce, 1 act 4 4 

198. Twin Sisters (The), comic operetta, 

lact 3 1 

162. Uncle's Will, comedietta, 1 act 2 1 

106. Up for the Cattle Show, farce, 1 act. 6 2 
81. Vandyke Brown, farce, 1 act 3 3 

124. Volunteer Review, farce, 1 act 6 6 

91. Walpole, comedy, 3 acts 7 2 

118. Wanted, a Young Lady ,*farce, 1 act. 3 

44. War to the Knife, comedy, 3 acts. . . 5 4 
105. Which of the Two? comedietta, lact 2 10 

98. Who is Who? farce, 1 act 3 2 

12. Widow Hunt, comedy, 3 acts. ...... 4 4 

5. William Tell with a Vengeance, 

burlesque 8 2 

136. Woman in Red, drama, 3 acts and 

prologue 6 

161. Woman's Vows and Mason's Oaths. 

4 acts 10 4 

11. Woodcock's Little Game, farce, 2 4 4 
54. Young Collegian (Cantab.), farce, 13 3 

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE 



of DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS AND DE WITT'S 



ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMAS , containing Plot, Costume, Scenery, 
Time of Representation and every other information, mailed free and post paid. Address, 
ROBERT M. DE WITT, 33 Rose Street, New York. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

■l 

014 549 143 5 



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Great NOVELTY Catalogue, 

Comprising a large number of the most 

INGENIOUS, USEFUL, ENTERTAINING, WONDERFUL, AND MIRTH-PRODUCING ARTICLES 

Ever found in any one Circular. 

This NOVEI,TY Catalogue will be sent to any address entirely Free 

of Cost and Postage. Address 

CLINTON T. DEWITT, Publisher, 33 Rose St., New York. 
ONL.Y FIFTY CENTS A YEAR., 

A First-Class Monthly Literary and Story Paper, 

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Strictly tor the Amusement of tlie Home Circle. 

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The Home Fireside contains the best Stories, the most beautiful Poetry, the most 
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#*# But the appearance of the Home Fireside will be its surest passport to every 
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DE WITT'S 

Large Unequalled List of Premiums 

OFFERED FOR SUBSCRIBERS TO 
THE HOME FIRESIDE, 

The Greatest Monthly Literary and Story Paper in the World 

is Now Ready. 

This Premium List will be forwarded Free, and postage paid, to any address. 
5^° It offers grand chances to Agents and others. Address 

CLINTON T. DE WITT, 

(Successor to Robert M. De Witt), 

Publisher of the Home Fireside, 33 Rose St., New York. 



